KKR - A Well-Rounded Team

The franchisee has again shown its faith in players with a proven track record.

- Y.B.Sarangi

Last year, two-time Indian Premier League (IPL) champion Kolkata Knight Riders had made it to the playoffs despite lacking a bit in the pace department.

The Dinesh Karthik-led side has imported four overseas pacers to boost its campaign in IPL 12.

It has added variety to its attack without being bothered about the reputation, a constant feature in KKR’s team formation. Superfast Kiwi Lockie Ferguson, zippy South African Anrich Nortje, left-arm Englishman Harry Gurney, who has a lot of variety, and West Indian all-rounder of World T20 fame Carlos Brathwaite provide depth and experience to the pace department and choices for Karthik. The presence of reliable Caribbean Andre Russell is a boon.

India under-19 World Cup player Shivam Mavi had impressed with his showing in the last edition, along with Karnataka seamer Prasidh Krishna. They will be joined by promising Andhra southpaw Y. Prithvi Raj. Another under-19 World Cup player KamleshNagarkoti, who is injured, has been replaced by Kerala pacer Sandeep Warrier.

Maharashtra all-rounder Shikant Mundhe, who has been playing domestic cricket for the last 12 years, can make up for the absence of an Indian speedster — a factor for which KKR has invited criticism.