Monday, April 3, 2017

IPL 2017 Team Preview - Kolkata Knight Riders

Kolkata Knight Riders are one of the most consistent sides in the IPL with a huge fan following and the support of their fans goes a long way in scripting the fortunes of the side owned by the superstar SRK! They will be looking to add to their cupboard the IPL Trophy for a record 3rd time this year.

Key Players - Gautam Gambhir has been an inspirational captain for KKR and he along with Robin Uthappa have been instrumental in providing them with good starts. Although they will miss 'Dre Russ' big time but they have Shakib, Narine and the Indian spin sensation Kuldeep Yadav in their ranks for IPL 2017.

Manish Pandey and Yusuf Pathan will shore up their middle order as they have been doing for more than a couple of seasons now.

Injury Tracker - They will miss the services of their herculean all rounder Andre Russell as he is currently suspended by the ICC for violating anti-doping norms. Umesh Yadav might miss out on the initial stages of the IPL after being part of a long Indian season.
UPDATE: KKR have signed Kiwi explosive batsman and a handy seam bowler Colin De Grandhomme as a like for like replacement for Andre Russel.

Fantasy Cricket Pick - Shakib Al Hasan
He can be a great pick in your fantasy team as he bats up the order and is also likely to bowl his quota of 4 overs in nearly every match. He is also in relatively good form coming off a successful series in Sri Lanka.

Fantasy Cricket Wildcard Pick - Chris Lynn
Lynn has shown in the BBL that he is a monster striker of the ball and if he gets enough opportunity, he can destroy bowling attacks on his own. With Russel missing from KKR's scheme of things this year Lynn might just get an extended runs in IPL 10

My Prediction - Kolkata Knight Riders have a decent squad but Gambhir and Uthappa are going through a rut and with talisman Russell missing too, I find it hard to see them getting past the league stage this year. They might finish 5th or 6th in my opinion.

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