IPL 2023 Kolkata Knight Riders Strengths and Weaknesses
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The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) had a disappointing last season. The Shreyas Iyer-Brendon McCullum combination showed glimpses of brilliance but they couldn’t sustain the momentum for the entire season. They threatened to make it to the playoffs every time they notched up a win but it proved to be too far in the end. KKR has seen a change in leadership with Chandrakant Pandit taking up the coaching reins. There is uncertainty over Iyer’s availability and KKR’s fortunes will depend a lot on his fitness.
We look at the Kolkata Knight Riders Strengths and Weaknesses in IPL 2023:
# Strengths:-
#1 Matchwinners:
It has been a feature of KKR over the years. They have plenty of match-winners in their squad. Right from the top order to their bowlers, there are many players who can win the game for the side singlehandedly. KKR’s style of play last season seems to reflect that they wanted to leverage this facet of the side. If any two to three players stand up in a game, KKR will be a happier side on most days.
Also Read: IPL 2023 New Rules and changes for Indian Premier League
#2 Strong signings:
Kolkata was the busiest side before the IPL 2023 mini auctions. They signed a lot of trade deals that bolstered the side. KKR brought in Shardul Thakur from Delhi Capitals. The right-arm bowling allrounder adds a lot of muscle to both the batting and bowling depth of the team. KKR also acquired Lockie Ferguson from the Gujarat Titans. The kiwi pacer was one of the stars of the campaign for GT last season. His pace can rattle the best in the business. The signing of David Wiese might prove to be a game-changer for KKR.
#3 Spin to win:
KKR’s biggest strength has been its spin department. They will continue to bank on their spinners to leave a solid impact this season. KKR has a lot of variety when it comes to its spin resources. They have two mystery spinners who have collectively led the bowling for the side in the last couple of seasons. KKR can also look to field Shakib Al Hasan who seems to be in prime form.
# Weakness:-
#1 Fitness concerns to Iyer:
Shreyas Iyer’s continual back problem has hindered his progress in the last few years. He couldn’t bat for India in the final Test and his availability to play in the opening few days is subject to his fitness clearance. Iyer is easily KKR’s best batsman. They can’t afford to do without him for long. His absence will open up the captaincy spot too. None of the options is an outright choice with Tim Southee and Shakib being frontrunners among the overseas bunch. KKR will feel Iyer’s absence in more ways than one.
#2 The Indian batting core:
There is no Indian regular apart from Iyer in the squad. Venkatesh Iyer briefly did represent the country but has failed to own a spot in the team. He had an indifferent IPL 2022 that saw KKR’s fortunes pummel along with him. Iyer needs to put up a better show this time around. IPL 2023 might just be the last opportunity for someone like Nitish Rana who is yet to convert his talent into something substantial. Rinku Singh played a couple of blinders last season. He needs to keep the histrionics going this season too if KKR has to succeed.
