Kolkatta knight riders
Having been the most disappointed side in IPL so far now they look magnificent after some aggressive buys. They had roped in two costliest IPL buys in the auction and look majestic on paper. However on field performance depends on lot of factors along with how Bengalis support the DADA less KKR. Also Shah Rukh Khan the high profile owner could be a big distraction to the side that looks violent.
Captain
They made a smart start to cution by picking up Gambhir for maximum prize and well he justifies it since he opens and leads the side. By his IPL 3 and Indian captaincy he looks a smarter choice and he is likely to replace Dhoni in future for Team India makes him the smartest buy.
Openers
Gambhir opens the lineup and well he is one of smartest in world cricket now. He may be partnered by Sreevats Goswami in case they go in for Indian keeper and Goswami is one of India’s best young talents. He is aggressive opener as he had shown in the past. Else there is option of going in for Manvinder Bisla who had a fruitful season for KXIP last year. If they need a overseas opener they have the Legend Kallis to open and his form now is only shown by none other than Tendulkar. As a last choice they can make Haddin to open and keep and he has done well for Aussies in the position. All in all Openeing looks good.
Middle Order
Kallis, Yusuf, Tiwary, Shakib, Morgan, Haddin. Whatelse do you need. In Kallis again there is a legend and what to say about Yusuf? If anything his recent innings against Proteas at SA shows how devastating he could be at home. Tiwary is their sole Bengali link and is wonderful prospect in Domestic League. He can be very useful in building partnership in middle overs. In Morgan you have the Bevan’s latest avatar and well if he is available he is likely to play a huge role. Shakib is their most bargain buy. You can’t get a package for such a cost. With his Spin, Batting and Bengali connection bringing in huge fan base from BD he is likely to be sure starter. Beyond all these they still have Laxmi Shukla another utility veteran. And should I forget another veteran Rajath Bhatia? And what to say about the ODI Bradman – ten Doeschate too?
AllRounders
Galore is single word that comes out. Kallis , Yusuf, Shakib and you have three first choice ones for respective nations. Kallis is only one to be compared with Sobers. In Shakib they have the Best ranked one in World now and in Yusuf there is a devastating allrounder who can chip in a spell. This means their Middle Order can bowl as muc has 12 overs in themselves. No other team comes near. Apart them their back up of Shukla and Bhatia are themselves capable of bowling full spells. Don’t forget ten Doeschate here.
Wicket Keepers
Haddin is first choice. Incase they need an Indian so that they can bring in another specialist Sreevats Goswami is not a far behind either.
Spinners
Iqbal Abdullah is only specialist spinner. But Shakib will bowl his full quota and so can Yusuf chip in. So in all Spin looks decent.
Fast Bowlers
This is one area they missed. Unlike last time no Bond, Dinda and Ishanth. Their replacement is just fine. Lee can be devastating if he is fit. Sangwan is one of real promising bowlers and his previous record in IPL is just a proof of his ability. Unadkat is again the latest Indian to make test debut and he is surely a big player for them. Kallis can very well bowl his quota and prove effective. To backup there is Pattinson who should unlike his brother (who played for Poms) be a good one. However this is their specific weakness that separates them from the two contenders Chennai and Mumbai.
Overall a very effective side. A slot is Semis is guaranteed unless there is any controversies or their pacers fail to match their batting.
Likely Starting XI
Gambhir – Goswami – Kallis – Yusuf – Morgan – Shakib – Bhatia – Lee - Abdullah – Sangwan - Unadkat
Kochi Indicommandos
A newer team after lot of off field issues have made a good job at auctions. With quite an equal mix of Indian and Overseas players, they do look good on paper. What they transpire on field is to be seen.
Captain
Jayawardane has been announced as the skipper of the side. He brings in lot of experience and ability to lead the side from the front. He also knows the way to use Muralitharan, the trump spin card for the side perfectly having lead the side earlier.
Openers
Jayawardane with his latest expoits opening in T20 can be best option. He scored a Ton last year opening. His game is been in classy mode and is adjustable to any situations. His partner may be McCullum who showed his powers during IPL’s first match. But that means they loose two slots out of four. Else they may go with Parthiv Patel who is n’t that bad either opening. Also Tanmay Srivatsava former India U19 star is a good choice too. Whoever they choose, their opening looks pretty strong.
Middle Order
Laxman, Kedar Jadhav and Jayawardane(if he does n’t open) alon with R.Jadeja form a decent middle order. Laxman though a Class bat is not a proven performer in this format. Jadhav can be useful as he proved with Delhi last season. His big hits can be handy. Jayawardane requires no special mention. Jadeja must bat well to justify his price tag. Brad Hodge can be played here in middle order and well he is another Champion T20 star as all know. Middle order hence for Kochi is decent if not imposing. And I must not forget Owais Shah. What a special one he is!
Allrounders
That Jadeja is their main allrounder shows how much they lack. Gomez can be a hard hitting allrounder and in Perara they have an exiting prospect with both bat and ball. But again him playing means one of 3 bats must sit out. Steven Smith is also a good choice.
Wicket Keepers
McCullum can keep wickets and his usefulness with bat and experience make him best choice. Parthiv does n’t lack much though. Incase they choose Perara and Hodge apart two Lankans then Baz must sit out and Parthiv will stand behind the stumps.
Spinners
Spin prospect is really good. One Smiling assasain – The LEGEND Murali himself is enough to create flutters. Powar with his economical spells can back Murali well. Smith and O’Keefe can also provide spin options incase Murali sits out. Again like Chennai, Murali-Powar combo could prove crucial for their success. And Jadeja is a good option too.
Fast Bowlers
Their crop of Indian pacers is just good. Sree with his Kerala nativity will not just be a crucial player but a face value of the side. Along with RP and Vinay form an attack that could be called India’s Second string one. Not bad you guess. Now if Perara or Shah play as allrounders they can chip in few pacy over too.
Overall they have a pretty good side with nice balance and can very well challenge Top sides. The have very good chance of making it to semis..
Likely Starting XI
McCullum – Jayawardane – Laxman – Hodge – Jadhav - Jadeja - Powar – Vinay - Muralitharan – R.P.Singh – Sreesanth.
No comments:
Post a Comment