CLT20 2014: SWOT analysis of Kolkata Knight Riders

Kolkata Knight Riders, the winners of this years Indian Premier League, start their Champions League campaign on 17th September, whenthey meet the most consistent T20 team of the IPL, Chennai Super Kings. Buoyed by injuries and without some of their key players, the Kolkata team are placed in a group also featuring Perth Scorchers, the winners of AustralianBig Bash League,Dolphins,the winners from South Africa, and a Qualifier, besides the Super Kings.FIXTURES : 17 September- KKRv CSK21 September- KKR v Qualifier 24 September- KKR v Perth Scorchers29 September- KKR v DolphinsHeres a look at the chances of Gautam Gambhirs men in this years CLT20:

#1 Strengths

The biggest strength for the franchise is undoubtedly the presence of West Indian spinner Sunil Narine. Since 2012, his 4 overs have poised the biggest threat to the opposition and Gambhir has minced no words in stating that he is one of the most important players in the team. In the absence of Shakib al Hasan, it goes without saying that he will be the player to watch out for.

Gambhir’s aggressive captaincy and leadership qualities tend to get the most out of his players and he has been instrumental in changing the team’s fortunes ever since he was made captain in 2011. Under him the team showed great character to notch up 9 wins on the trot after losing 5 of their 7 games initially in this year’s edition of the IPL, and the team knows how to emerge stronger when things aren’t going their way.

The franchise, which also won the IPL in 2012, managed to get their act together in crucial junctions and with every game in the CLT20 being important, the Knights would want to gain early momentum.

Playing all their league games on the slow wickets of Hyderabad should aid their bowling unit, and with a number of all-rounders in their ranks, this team would hope to enter the play-offs.

#2 Weakness

Shakib al Hasan’s absence will serve as a big jolt to KKR. The Bangladeshi is currently serving a ban imposed on him by the Bangladesh Cricket Board. Despite Shakib’s ban being reduced, the ban on 'No Objection Certificate' for foreign leagues stays until the end of next year. Shakib had scored 227 runs in this year’s IPL at a strike rate of 149.34 and picked up 11 wickets, and along with Narine helped to stem the flow of runs.

Australian batsman Chris Lynn - who was seen as a possible replacement for the Bangladeshi all-rounder - and fast bowler Morne Morkel have been ruled out of the tournament due to injuries and finding suitable replacements will be the key.

Over dependance on Narine seems to hurt the team at times and bowlers like Umesh Yadav and Vinay Kumar have the tendency of getting hit in the death overs, something which can haunt the team in this tournament.

Consistency has been the biggest problem for the men in Purple and Gold. They often find the right combinations in the latter stages of the tournament, and by the time they peak, it might all be over for them this time around.

#3 Opportunities

The KKR team boasts of a number of Indian players and with the World Cup less than 5 months away, a few cricketers would want to grab the attention of the selectors. Robin Uthappa and Gambhir are in the fray for the opening slot, while Umesh, who was a part of the ODI team in England would look to impress the Indian management.

It is also probably the last time South African legend Jacques Kallis will be seen in the tournament. He has retired from international cricket and he would want to bid adieu on a high.

Dutchman Ryan ten Doeschate, who was bought back by the team in this year’s IPL auction, possesses great talent but hasn'’t exactly set the field on fire while playing for KKR. In the absence of Shakib, he would want to take the opportunity and repay the trust bestowed on him by the management.

Furthermore, despite winning the IPL twice in 3 years, the team is still considered an underdog with a jittery middle-order. They still lack a big hitting international match winner and the Knights would do well to prove that their IPL triumphs were no fluke.

#4 Threats

Kolkata play their first game against CSK, who will be eager to down the champions and get their first points on the board. The other two teams will want to prove their mettle against the IPL teams and Gambhir’s boys will constantly have to be on their toes.

Yusuf Pathan, barring his 22-ball-72 against Sun Risers Hyderabad, has done little in KKR colours and his failure could rattle the middle-order, which consists of uncapped Indians like Suryakumar Yadav and Manish Pandey.

Finally, being superstar Shahrukh Khan’s team means there is excessive scrutiny from the media every time the franchise takes the field, with every loss being heavily dissected. However, the team has handled the pressure with ease in the last few years and if they can notch up a win on Wednesday, they will be strong contenders to go the distance.

Likely XI

Gautam Gambhir (capt)

Robin Uthappa

Manish Pandey

Andre Russel/ Jacques Kallis (foreign)

Yusuf Pathan

Ryan Tendo (foreign)

Suryakumar Yadav

Piyush Chawla

Pat Cummins (foreign)

Sunil Narine (foreign)

Umesh Yadav