IPL 2017: Squad strengths, weakness and prediction

Kolkata Knight Riders

Yusuf Pathan will be an important player for KKR with the bat lower down the order

As always, the KKR management was very astute in buying players in this auction as well. The Kolkata team are not known to spend exorbitant amounts, which was the case in this auction as well, as KKR made a smart buy in Chris Woakes to cover for Andre Russell.

Meanwhile, to cover for Woakes when he is away on national duty, they have invested in Australian, Nathan Coulter-Nile. KKR were also successful in bidding for a couple of good Indian resources in Ishank Jaggi and Rishi Dhawan to add to their impressive bench strength.

Strengths: As was the case in 2016, the bowling will be KKR’s main strength this year too. They have pace, variety in the spin department, and with the addition of Trent Boult, they have a much needed overseas quick who is available for the entire season. On the batting front too, they have a reliable opening pair followed by a solid middle order which includes a couple of good local batters.

Weakness: With Andre Russell missing, the power hitting duties fall on the shoulders of Yusuf Pathan and the likes of Woakes or Powell. How these men provide the impetus to a solid foundation laid by the top order will be the key differentiator between an average score and an above par score for KKR.

Prediction: If everything falls into place, a spot in the play-offs is assured.