IPL 2017: SWOT analysis of Kolkata Knight Riders

Opportunities:

Can Manish Pandey script a comeback to the Indian team via the IPL?

Having made a late entry into the IPL draft pool, courtesy his magnificent run in the Syed Mushtaq Trophy, Ishank Jaggi has a massive opportunity to finally grab eyeballs after an incredible domestic season for Jharkhand. The 28-year-old, who averages an impressive 47 in 63 List A games, was bagged by the Knights at his base price of 10 lakhs, making him one of the best buys for a team at the 2017 auctions.

With the Champions Trophy in England scheduled just days after the conclusion of the IPL, the tournament presents Manish Pandey an excellent chance to seal his spot with consistency and runs. With Suresh Raina out of the Indian mix, at least as far as ODIs are concerned, and Rahane not the first choice as a limited-overs player, the opportunity presents itself to Pandey to make the most of it.

Umesh Yadav, India’s dark horse in the long Test season that preceded the IPL should remain confident of his performance for the purple and gold jersey as well. Having brought in a number of variations, which were on full display in the twelve Test matches that he played for India, the pacer would want to improve on his death bowling, which has proved to be his nemesis in this format.

Before yet another long season for India, Umesh has the prospect to emerge as the team’s bowling spearhead by constantly bowling the accurate deliveries at 140kmph. He has been given a well-deserved break by the KKR team, and one can expect the Vidarbha bowler to return re-energized and rejuvenated for their first home game on 13^th April.