Why are Kolkata Knight Riders struggling to defend totals? 

#1 Mitchell Starc's injury has hurt them big time

Mitchell Starc is a monster in limited overs

KKR have had a history of having at least one express quick bowler in their ranks for years. Bowlers like Shane Bond, Brett Lee and Morne Morkel were part of the set up in the past. Last year it was Trent Boult and at the IPL auction this year, KKR went for one of the best fast bowlers in the world in Mitchell Starc. The Australian quick is a monster in limited overs cricket and his pace, bounce, accuracy and inch-perfect yorkers often make him one of the most difficult bowlers to hit against. They paid Rs. 9.4 crores for him but the player did not even come to India due to an injury sustained during the Test series in South Africa. This setback has proven to be a crippling one.

His replacement Tom Curran may have done well in the recent past and may have a reputation for being an excellent fast bowler but he hasn’t impressed yet. Mitchell Johnson, on the other hand, has only played two games and it seems his fitness may be an issue. Curran has gone for an incredible 11.86 runs an over in 4 games so far and it is simply not good enough. The lack of fast bowling firepower is something that will haunt them throughout the tournament.