IPL 2019: One major area of concern for each team ahead of the tournament

Kolkata Knight Riders - The bench strength

The absence of an overseas strike bowler might cost KKR

Two-time champions KKR did overspend on their overseas stars in the 2018 auctions, leaving the bench weak. The first choice XI had several match-winners but the replacements were either too inexperienced or did not prove to be good enough, as they found out when Starc was ruled out of the tournament. Starc was subsequently released for the 2019 season and a number of handy players were bought instead.

However, the problem of a weak bench still remains the major area of concern for KKR. The pace bowling department has Russell, Brathwaite, and Fergusson to accompany the 3 Indian promising youngsters, who are far too inexperienced. Russell himself is prone to injury and Fergusson is known for his inconsistency. Anrich Nortje might prove to be a surprise package though.

Similarly, in the batting department, there is hardly someone who can fill in for the first choice batsmen like Lynn, Uthappa, Rana, Gill, and Karthik.