IPL 2016 Predicted XI Kolkata Knight Riders

Shakib Al Hasan

Shakib will hold the key with both the bat and the ball

The southpaw from Bangladesh is arguably the best cricketer the country has produced. He is currently the number one ranked player in One Day Internationals and number 2 in T20Is, a clear indication of his talent and worth.

He is expected to once again from a critical cog in the KKR team as he renders the much sought after balance. He can finish games off and is a canny slow left arm bowler who can choke opposition batsman with his wily spin. He is also a good reader of the game and can help the think tank to formulate strategies on and off the field.

With the bat, in 32 matches so far he has scored 383 runs at an average of 21.27 with an imposing strike rate of 139.27.

As a bowler he has picked up 38 wickets with an economy of 6.92. Watch out for him as he comes into the tournament on the back of some impressive performances in the recently concluded World T20.