Kolkata Knight Riders

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 From being the butt of all jokes to two times champions in 3 years.Its been quite a turn around for the SRK owned franchisee. A trouble filled initial 3 years saw a complete revamp of the squad and although the results weren't instant, everyone can see the changes now. For a team with a vast market presence, the results also proved a sound investment for the investors.Being champions last time out have earned them the opening match of the new season at home where they will take on MI.

Things were looking bleak for KKR at the start of the previous season, but a remarkable 13 match unbeaten run saw them emerge champions. The star performer was Robin Uthappa who enjoyed a stupendous run of form, finishing  the tournament as the top scorer.Relying on his wicket keeping skills could cost them though. Skipper Gambhir's form was inconsistent.Manish Pandey played a match winning knock in the final and is expected to better his previous campaigns.Taking over the mantle of the all rounder from Kallis was Shakib Al Hassan who contributed almost all the time. But international commitment means he will play only the opening two matches.His absence will be crucial. Ryan Ten Doeschate could fill or so could the recently recruited Azhar Mahmood.Yusuf Pathan had a terrible season but managed to come good towards the end, especially with the quick fire 72 against SRH which enabled KKR to qualify at 2nd spot. Andre Russel was an unknown last year, but he has enhanced his reputation as a dangerous all rounder. Johan Botha has been a late inclusion but is unlikely to be selected in the final 11.Suryakumar Yadav will be the other Indian presence in the batting department.

                                               Sunil Narine has been their trump card and his role in the change of fortunes for KKR is obvious. It remains to be seen whether he is as effective as before with his modified action.Morne Morkel will be a handful as always and so will be the improved Umesh Yadav.With Russel expected to be a key member of the team, it will be a toss up between the experienced Piyush Chawla and the newboy Kuldeep Yadav for the final spot.
                   
                                              With the iconic Eden Gardens as thier home ground, its going be intimidating for the opposition.Much will depend on the effectiveness of Naraine with his new action and how well KKR cope with the absence of Shakib Al Hasan.