IPL 2018: SWOT Analysis of Kolkata Knight Riders

With more than 16 million followers on Facebook, Kolkata Knight Riders is the most followed IPL team on social media. Since the beginning of the league, the team has garnered huge support owing to the team’s then icon player and former India captain, Sourav Ganguly, and the team owner Shah Rukh Khan.

The team’s dismal performance in the initial few seasons didn’t deter the fans from changing their loyalty. In fact, with every season, the numbers just kept increasing. Since Gautam Gambhir led KKR to two IPL titles (2012, 2014), the City of Joy has never looked back and poured in incessant love and support for the men in Purple and Gold.

A fully-packed Eden Gardens at every KKR game, irrespective of the outcome is what the Knights are accustomed to. And with a new captain in the form of Dinesh Karthik, a lot rests on his shoulders to continue the legacy.

Here’s a SWOT analysis of the squad:

STRENGTHS

Chris Lynn's availability is a huge boost for the team (Image: FB/KKR)

The sight of Chris Lynn and Andre Russell back in the camp and sweating it out at the nets is the biggest boost for KKR and its fans. The side has built this year’s team around the four key international players – Lynn, Russell, Sunil Narine and Mitchell Starc. With Starc injured, his former Australian teammate Mitchell Johnson is expected to fill the void, at least for the initial games.

Proven match winners, the trio of Lynn, Russell and Narine can turn the game in KKR’s favour on any given day and that’s why their presence in the team is the biggest strength for KKR.

In the past few years, KKR has been known to be a good bowling side. This year, too, the team seems to have that department sorted. With the likes of Narine, Piyush Chawla and Kuldeep Yadav retained, the spin department offers a lot of experience and potential to take wickets at will.

Vinay Kumar’s return to the franchise along with Russell, Johnson, Javon Searles and Tom Curran in the ranks, the pace attack looks formidable. Not to miss the U-19 stars, Kamlesh Nagarokti and Shivam Mavi.

WEAKNESS

Can Dinesh Karthik lead the team to its third IPL title? (Image: FB/KKR)

The new captain of KKR, Dinesh Karthik, hasn’t had much captaincy experience in the past. In the 6 games that he led Delhi Daredevils (2010, 2014) the team won only 2 games. While Karthik’s captaincy would be under constant scrutiny, KKR’s depth in the squad is also a concern.

If any more injuries plague the team, the bench strength is not of the same caliber as that of the first choice playing XI. While there are like for like replacements in the squad, the new crop of players are yet to prove themselves at the big stage.

In case the top order fails cheaply, a lot would depend on the middle-order that is inexperienced. If KKR wants to cross the line in close encounters, they would have to plug the gap in their middle order. It wouldn’t be a bad option for skipper Karthik to play lower down the order and give youngsters a go before him.

OPPORTUNITIES

Kamlesh Nagarkoti showcased impressive skills at the U-19 World Cup (Image: FB/KKR)

With a young team under his command, Karthik has a chance to flaunt his leadership skills. How he brings the group of youngsters and experienced players together, will not only reflect on the team’s fate but also his individual character.

The middle order of the team looks fragile. Nitish Rana, who had a decent outing with Mumbai Indians last season, can cement his place in the team with few good performances under his belt. At the same time, players like Rinku Singh and Ishank Jaggi also have a chance to prove their worth for a spot in the team.

Riding on the U-19 World Cup success, Shubman Gill, Mavi and Nagarkoti have been bagged by the franchise at hefty prices. While the youngsters will get to learn a lot from the best of best around the world, it also provides them with a platform to showcase their talent and become household names.

THREATS

If Andre Russell gets injured again, it would be hard for KKR to fill the void (Image: FB/KKR)

The biggest threat that looms around the KKR dug out is that of the injuries to the key players. While they have already lost the services of Australian speedster Mitchell Starc due to a stress fracture on his right leg, Chris Lynn and Andre Russell are not a 100% yet.

Lynn has been recuperating from his shoulder injuries and needs to be injury free for the coming season for the sake of himself and KKR. Russell, too, was ruled out of the PSL due to a hamstring injury and is undergoing recovery.

With just a 19-member squad, the lowest for any team in the competition, KKR would need all of its players fit and running throughout the competition if they want to make any progress this year.

KKR starts their campaign against RCB this Sunday (Image: FB/KKR)

Despite being the underdogs this season, KKR might be a force to reckon with if they are able to play their A-team throughout the season without any further injuries. The two-time champions pose a threat to any team and given the unpredictable nature of T20 cricket, KKR might pull a few surprises. It would be interesting to see how the KKR management uses young talent.

Predicted Playing XI for KKR

Chris Lynn

Sunil Narine

Robin Uthappa

Nitish Rana

Shubman Gill/Ishank Jaggi

Dinesh Karthik (C & WK)

Andre Russell

Kuldeep Yadav

Piyush Chawla

Mitchell Johnson

Vinay Kumar/Kamlesh Nagarkoti