IPL 2018: 3 things that may prove to be the Achilles heel for KKR

Modified Mar 15, 2018 02:35 IST

April 7, with Kolkata Knight Riders playing their first game against the Royal Challengers Bangalore — Kolkata Knight Riders and Royal Challengers Bangalore will lock horns in the opening match of the IPL on April 7

#2 Bereft of suitable backups

If all the players in the KKR squad are fit and firing, they would be able to field a balanced playing XI. However, if one or more of these front-line players either get injured or are out of form, there is some trouble in store for the Knight Riders.

The team's most bankable player, Andre Russell has been recently been ruled out of the Pakistan Super League after he pulled his hamstring. Explosive opener Chris Lynn has sustained a shoulder injury in the Trans-Tasman T20 Tri-Series. Australian pacer Mitchell Johnson has lately suffered a deep cut on his head while working out in the gym. Johnson's compatriot Mitchell Starc is never far from developing a niggle as well.

If some of these players become unavailable for the season, KKR do not have the bench strength which can match their potential.