The fact that KKR, the DEFENDING CHAMPIONS is a team which saw the highest of highs and the lowest of lows is enough to describe how ‘unpredictable’ they are in the Indian Premier League.
Strengths
One cannot deny the fact that their premier spinner Sunil Narine is the biggest asset of the team. The only bowler in the history of the tournament who has an economy rate under six is now cleared and given a green signal to bowl by the BCCI.
Thus, KKR is almost synonymous to Narine.
The opening pair looked consistent in the last edition which made them win 7 matches on a trot and took their side home.
Weaknesses
Though KKR looks like a balanced side, one thing they miss is, a middle order batsman who can anchor the innings like AB de Villiers and Suresh Raina do for their respective teams.
Lack of firepower in the batting lineup is their ultimate weakness.
Opportunities
KKR have as many as seven specialist spinners including the uncapped players. Thus the spin department is well settled. One man to watch out for is, KC Cariappa, the ‘mystery’ spinner who was bought for a whooping 2.4 crores. He is a leg spinner with a grip which allows him to bowl both leg-breaks and off-breaks.
Thus no matter what, three specialist spinners are ready to show amaze some magic in the middle orders.
Multifarious big hitters like Andre Russell, Yusuf Pathan and Surya Kumar should turn up when needed to score huge runs on the board.
Threats
As said earlier, the team selection is one big headache for the franchise with reference to the spinners. Gambhir should decide on whom to rely upon - Kuldeep Yadav or KC Cariappa. Then the newcomers – Azhar Mohammad or Johan Botha.
Shakib will miss some games as Pakistan host Bangladesh in a bilateral series. Thus, whenever Shakib is unavailable, Botha can fit in with similar skillset, though not that great.
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