IPL 2018: SWOT Analysis of Kolkata Knight Riders

WEAKNESS

Can Dinesh Karthik lead the team to its third IPL title? (Image: FB/KKR)

The new captain of KKR, Dinesh Karthik, hasn’t had much captaincy experience in the past. In the 6 games that he led Delhi Daredevils (2010, 2014) the team won only 2 games. While Karthik’s captaincy would be under constant scrutiny, KKR’s depth in the squad is also a concern.

If any more injuries plague the team, the bench strength is not of the same caliber as that of the first choice playing XI. While there are like for like replacements in the squad, the new crop of players are yet to prove themselves at the big stage.

In case the top order fails cheaply, a lot would depend on the middle-order that is inexperienced. If KKR wants to cross the line in close encounters, they would have to plug the gap in their middle order. It wouldn’t be a bad option for skipper Karthik to play lower down the order and give youngsters a go before him.