Injury-free season crucial for thin KKR squad

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When Gautam Gambhir was not retained before the 2018 player auction, a seven-year relationship between Kolkata Knight Riders and their most successful captain ended. It might have been a surprise to some, but KKR have done this before.

In 2011, the franchise axed their icon and captain Sourav Ganguly after three poor seasons. Now, after three trophy-less seasons, the management once again wanted a reset. And so, say hello to Dinesh Karthik's KKR. Karthik has previous success as a leader. He took Tamil Nadu to the Vijay Hazare Trophy title two seasons ago and captained the Duleep Trophy winners India Red last year.

Chris Lynn, Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, Robin Uthappa, Piyush Chawla and Kuldeep Yadav, who formed KKR's core last year, remain with the team. They added youth to the experience of Vinay Kumar and Mitchell Johnson with the acquisitions of India's Under-19 stars Shubman Gill, Kamlesh Nagarkoti and Shivam Mavi. Nitish Rana joined from Mumbai Indians, while West Indian allrounder Javon Searles and big-hitting South African Cameron Delport were late picks at the auction. With 19 members, Knight Riders have a tiny squad, and need their players to remain injury-free if they are to be contenders for a third IPL title.

However, they have already suffered a setback. Mitchell Starc was ruled out of the entire season with a tibia strain. Lynn and Russell are returning from shoulder and hamstring injuries, so KKR need to manage their workloads carefully. Narine needs to watch his action after being reported during the PSL, but the late addition of England fast bowler Tom Curran would make the team feel slightly more secure. If KKR lose any of these players, it could mean curtains for their campaign.

Ganguly was recently asked: "What changed KKR's fortunes after your departure in 2011?" His answer: "Sunil Narine."

Apart from winning matches with the ball for KKR, Narine has undergone a startling change with the bat, too. Since April 2017, Narine hasn't conceded more than 5.91 an over in all T20s, and boasts a strike-rate of over 150 after 47 innings. He has also started opening frequently in that period. Narine smashed the IPL's fastest fifty, against Royal Challengers Bangalore last year, and over the past 12 months has been the third highest wicket-taker in all T20s.

For Gill, the Player of the Tournament at the U-19 World Cup in January, the IPL will be an opportunity to announce his arrival in the big leagues. He averages 104.45 in 16 Under-19 ODIs, and has displayed enough temperament to be fast-tracked into the IPL. There will be pressure, no doubt, but Gill enjoys pace on to his bat, and the Eden Gardens surface will suit his style of play.

Since last year's IPL, Karthik averages 84.50 in T20Is and around 43 in all T20s. His return to India's limited-overs side provided another glimpse of his supreme short-format form, when he blasted an eight-ball 29 not out to script an improbable Indian win in the Nidahas Trophy final against Bangladesh.

KKR also have a close-knit backroom staff. Not only do Simon Katich and Jacques Kallis assist Trinbago Knight Riders in the CPL, but many Trinbago players - like Narine and Searles - also play for KKR.

The bad

With Starc ruled out, KKR lack a fast bowler proven in Indian conditions. Johnson has not been at his finest in recent months, while Vinay hasn't made a significant impact in recent IPL seasons. Tom Curran, Starc's replacement, has not played in India before. Mavi and Nagarkoti are quick and zippy, but they are new and might get exposed in conditions away from home.

KKR also lack man-for-man replacements for many players. While Gill or Rana may get replaced by Jaggi, Apoorv Wankhade or Rinku Singh, there aren't any experienced replacements for Lynn, Johnson, Uthappa or Karthik.

Three of the four overseas players choose themselves. Lynn, and perhaps Narine, will open. Russell will bowl a few overs and his freakish hitting abilities will be used to finish innings. Johnson will claim the fourth spot, unless KKR prefer Curran, who has been playing top flight limited-overs cricket for England. All of KKR's overseas players are available for the whole season.

The plan

Both home and away, KKR would want to chase and go hard at the top with the bat. Even if Narine fails as opener, he won't use up too many deliveries. KKR will play two spinners on most days - a toss-up between Piyush Chawla and Kuldeep Yadav for the second spot - but at more spin-friendly venues like Chennai, they may even play three.

KKR have won 63% of all IPL matches at home, and would look to extend their proud home record again.

Possible starting XI 1 Chris Lynn, 2 Sunil Narine, 3 Robin Uthappa, 4 Nitish Rana, 5 Dinesh Karthik (capt & wk), 6 Shubman Gill, 7 Andre Russell, 8 Piyush Chawla, 9 Mitchell Johnson, 10 Kuldeep Yadav, 11 Kamlesh Nagarkoti/Shivam Mavi

The brains

Jacques Kallis (head coach), Simon Katich (assistant coach), Heath Streak (bowling coach), Andrew Leipus (physiotherapist), Adrian le Roux (trainer), Mike Horn (motivator)