IPL 2018: 5 players who will be important for Kolkata Knight Riders this season

#2 Mitchell Johnson

The pacer will lead the bowling attack

Mitchell Starc's absence will be a huge blow for KKR this season. The 27-year-old pace bowler was expected to lead the attack, after joining the Knights for a whopping fee of 9.4 crores.

However, KKR did manage to sign a back-up in the shape of Mitchell Johnson, who was signed on the second day of the auction, from the list of unsold players.

And although reports suggest that England fast bowler Tom Curran will replace the injured Mitchell Starc, Mitchell Johnson is still expected to lead the bowling charge for the Knight Riders this campaign.

Johnson's stark experience of playing in the IPL along with his aggression is tailor-made for a team like KKR, a team which loves to take early wickets.

The experienced Aussie has all the qualities to lead the charge for KKR and he can also act as a mentor for the likes of Shivam Mavi and Kamlesh Nagarkoti.