Here is a detailed SWOT analysis of Kolkata Knight Riders
| Batsmen | Wicket-keepers | All-Rounders | Bowlers |
| Nitish Rana | Nikhil Naik | Andre Russell | Pat Cummins |
| Shubhman Gill | Dinesh Karthik | Sunil Narine | Harry Gurney |
| Tom Banton | Varun Chakravarthy | Shivam Mavi | |
| Eoin Morgan | Chris Green | Kamlesh Nagarkotti | |
| Rinku Singh | Sandeep Warrier | ||
| Siddhesh Lad | Prasidh Krishna | ||
| Rahul Tripathi | M Siddharth | ||
| Pravin Tambe | |||
| Lockie Ferguson | |||
| Kuldeep Yadav |
Player bought in auctions: Tom Banton, Rahul Tripathi, Eoin Morgan, Nikhil Naik, Chris Green, Varun Chakravarthy, Pat Cummins, Pravin Tambe, M Siddharth
Strength:
Kolkata Knight Riders made some useful additions in the auctions held in Kolkata with the purchase of Eoin Morgan and Pat Cummins, especially catching the limelight. In Eoin Morgan, the Knight Riders brought in a leader to the team who can soak the pressure in the middle order along with Dinesh Karthik, and in Pat Cummins, the team bought arguably the best bowler in the World. Tom Banton and Chris Green are two useful additions that have been added to the roster at a meager price. Green is a veteran and could play as a cover for Sunil Narine, whereas in Tom Banton team might have bought one of the biggest superstars of the coming years.
Weaknesses:
The Kolkata team is highly dependent on Russell, a fact which became Crystal clear in the last season. KKR has failed to add a replacement for Russell, which is a cause of worry for the fans. Also, though, the team has a few Indian batting names in their roster, but KKR lacks any big name from the Indian cricket on the squad list. The team released Robin Uthappa but have failed to replace him; it would be worth seeing how Rahul Tripathi can take his place in the 11.
Opportunities:
After the release of Chris Lynn, it became evident that Shubhman Gill will open the inning. Shubhman has been one of the most promising young players in India, and the season will provide him a fantastic opportunity to prove his mettle. The team also bought Rahul Tripathi, who impressed with the Rising Pune Supergiants in the 2017 season. Though the player has failed to capitalize on his form and a regular place in the playing 11 will allow him to stamp his authority in IPL again. Tom Banton and Chris Green, both of whom will be playing their maiden IPL, also have a golden opportunity to showcase their talent in the mega carnival.
Threats:
The Knight Riders spent a whopping 15.5 crores on buying Pat Cummins. However, his injury record is something that is undoubtedly troubling the fans. Cummins has had a long history of injuries, and any injury to him would expose the bowling of Knight Riders. Any injury to Andre Russell will also significantly weaken the team. Another major cause of concern for the Kolkata Knight Riders is the veining powers of Sunil Narine as a mystery spinner. Kuldeep Yadav has also struggled for form since IPL 2019.
Conclusion:
The Knight riders made some useful additions. However, there is a feeling around the fans that a lot was left missing. The team’s spin attack is also not looking up to the mark considering the fact that Edens Garden has been a fortress for spin bowling, and the team has to play seven games. The unit can shock any team on their day, but how can they challenge in the long term would be interesting to watch.
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