IPL 2024: SWOT analysis of Kolkata Knight Riders
Winning two titles in a span of three seasons, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) were once a dangerous force in the Indian Premier League (IPL). However, they haven’t managed to get their hands on the coveted crown since 2014. With the return of Shreyas Iyer, the Kolkata-based franchise will raise hopes of ending its title drought.
KKR grabbed the limelight recently by shelling out Rs 24.75 crore for Australian pacer Mitchell Starc in the mini-auction held in Dubai. However, some concerns remain to be addressed for them ahead of the upcoming season. In this article, let’s look at the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of KKR.
KKR Final Squad for IPL 2024: Nitish Rana, Rinku Singh, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Shreyas Iyer (c), Jason Roy, Sunil Narine, Suyash Sharma, Anukul Roy, Andre Russell, Venkatesh Iyer, Harshit Rana, Vaibhav Arora, Varun Chakaravarthy, KS Bharat, Chetan Sakariya, Mitchell Starc, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Ramandeep Singh, Sherfane Rutherford, Manish Pandey, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Gus Atkinson, Sakib Hussain.
Here’s a SWOT analysis of Royal Challengers Bangalore ahead of IPL 2024
Strengths: Strong batting unit, deadly spin attack
A line-up of Jason Roy, Venkatesh Iyer, Shreyas Iyer, Nitish Rana, Rinku Singh and Andre Russell has everything a T20 side needs. Roy will do the damage in the powerplay, captain Iyer will stabilize the innings with Rana, and finally, Rinku and Russell will provide the finishing touches. They also have a versatile power-hitter in Sunil Narine who can play some impactful knocks.
KKR’s biggest strength is its spin department and they have strengthened it yet again with the acquisition of Afghanistan star Mujeeb Ur Rahman. Narine will lead the attack which includes Varun Chakravarthy and Suyash Sharma.
Weaknesses: Weak pace attack
KKR’s pace attack has been shaky and it’s been their spinners that have kept it under wraps for years. After releasing the likes of Umesh Yadav, Lockie Ferguson, and Tim Southee, it looks like they will have to rely more on Mitchell Starc. It remains to be seen how their recruits Gus Atkinson and Chetan Sakariya will contribute.
Opportunities: Return of Gautam Gambhir
The man who led KKR to glory twice in 2012 and 2014 is now back in their side. Gautam Gambhir has managed to build a decent portfolio with Lucknow Super Giants in the last two editions as they reached the playoffs on both occasions. He has a great opportunity to mentor Iyer and Co. and help them win their third IPL trophy.
Threats: Andre Russell’s failure with bat
Andre Russell has been a key factor in KKR’s success over the years. However, the West Indian power-hitter has lost his sharpness in the batting for the past two seasons. KKR would want Russell to deliver in the upcoming season.
