Wednesday, 12 February 2014

The New KKR Part-I

Yet another IPL Auction, yet again so many players up for grabs. 8 teams fighting/bidding it out to get the players of their choice. After the end of day 1 in the auction process there were certain players for whom teams fought it out in auction wars. But at the end of the day this is how our team Kolkata Knight Riders look like.
GAUTAM GAMBHIR, retained by the team before the auction as their captain. Though a little poor as far as current form is concerned but his leadership and hopefully his batting in Indian conditions will help the team perform well.
SUNIL NARINE, another star player retained by KKR before the auction. The most deadly weapon in KKR's armory. He has the capability to run through batting line ups all by himself. And even on days when he doesn't pick wickets it is extremely difficult to score of him, specially in Indian conditions, more so at the Eden Gardens. He will again this year need to be KKR's star if they have to do well in this competition.
JACQUES KALLIS, KKR's first buy in this auction, they used the joker card to get him back, of course it was mostly certain that they will do so. He is called King Kallis for a reason. Still one of the best all rounders around in world cricket. He will provide the stability in the batting order and his expertise and experience in medium pace bowling will be helpful for KKR.
ROBIN UTHAPPA, a new Knight Rider, has proved himself time and again in this format of the game. Will solve KKR's opening and wicket keeping (most likely) problems. On his good days he can win matches for his team single handedly. But the biggest concern with him, lack of consistency.
YUSUF PATHAN, another one bought back by KKR using the joker card. He can be the trump card for KKR this season. But have been saying that for quite a few seasons now but he has failed to deliver for the team so far. Like Uthappa this guy can also win matches for you single handedly on his day. But that "on this day" comes very rarely these days. Albeit his power hitting in the middle overs and spin bowling can be really crucial for the team.
SHAKIB AL HASAN, I still feel he is the best all rounder when it comes to sub continent conditions. The improvisation he can bring in his batting and his left arm spin bowling is a perfect combination for a limited overs game. With the bat he can provide stability when needed as well as get cheeky and become a hitter. And a wicket taker with the ball in his hand. Will play an important role in turning wickets, specially in the home games.
UMESH YADAV, a real fast bowler, that's what he is. Will be wayward at times, will be inaccurate, will go for runs, but will also pick wickets, and that's pretty important in a T20 game. One of the very real quicks that India have, so KKR have done a very good job landing him in the team.
VINAY KUMAR, over the years one of the most successful bowlers in IPL. A national player, available for the whole tournament, wicket taker. That's pretty much what every team needs. I personally feel this will be a very important and good buy for the Knight Riders.
MORNE MORKEL, one of the best fast bowlers in the international circuit currently, I am not sure how much purchase he will get from the Eden surface but having him in the team automatically has an intimidating effect on the opposition. A brilliant buy considering the price he was bought for.
PIYUSH CHAWLA, the Indian spinner who will partner Sunil Narine. Again another one who can be very good on his day. But on his off days he can be really costly. Gambhir will need to use him really well to get the best out of him. And also hopefully in some close run matches his lower order batting will come to the aid of the Knights.
10 player so far, another day of auction beckons, it's not an excellent team but so far pretty happy with the buys and the amount of money left for the second day. More purchases tomorrow, more clear how this team will do in this upcoming season of the Indian Premier League.


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