How all 8 IPL teams will line up for their opening game

Kolkata Knight Riders

Kolkata Knight Riders retained Andre Russell and Sunil Narine

The Kolkata Knight Riders made some tough calls this year as they let go of their skipper Gautam Gambhir. The veteran campaigner changed the fate of the franchise after joining them in 2011. He took them to two titles in the first four years. However, the Purple Brigade retained Andre Russell and Sunil Narine before the auction instead.

The Knights are well-equipped in the top-order. Sunil Narine is expected to open with Robin Uthappa in the first game in the absence of Australian hitter Chris Lynn. Southpaw Nitish Rana, Dinesh Karthik and under 19 sensation Shubman Gill will bat in the middle order. Ishank Jaggi and the Carribean all-rounder Andre Russell will follow.

The spearhead of the bowling department will be the tall lanky Mitchell Starc who will be accompanied by Mitchell Johnson and Vinay Kumar. Kuldeep Yadav will chip in with some crucial overs in the middle of the innings. The franchise is yet to find a skipper but Robin Uthappa is expected to lead the side.

Playing XI: Sunil Narine, Robin Uthappa(c), Dinesh Karthik(wk), Nitish Rana, Shubman Gill, Ishank Jaggi, Andre Russell, Mitchell Starc, Mitchell Johnson, Vinay Kumar, Kuldeep Yadav