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

#1 Andre Russell

Russell is raring to go

By far the most important player for Kolkata Knight Riders, at the moment, the decision to retain star player Andre Russell was a good one from the Bengal giants, as it seems.

After missing last year's IPL due to a suspension, the West Indian is raring to go, in this edition of the Indian Premier League.

Russell's ability to hit huge sixes in death overs make him a priceless component in the KKR lineup while he can also be just as impressive with the ball as well. The bulky West Indian will become a crucial bowling outlet for Simon Katich's side, especially in the death overs, where his subtle change of variations can restrict the opposition from scoring big.

The 29-year-old has already reached Kolkata, earlier this week and most importantly, he has also recovered from his injury, meaning he will be a vital cog as KKR look to impose their dominance in this edition of the IPL.