IPL 2021: Strength and weakness of each team ahead of UAE leg

5. Kolkata Knight Riders

Strength- In-from Andre Russell

Last year in IPL 2020, the West Indies all-rounder had a horrendous time as only 117 runs had come from his blade. However, the Jamaican, in the IPL 2021, had scored some crucial runs especially when the entire batting order of KKR had turned out to be rusty. Although, a fighting fifty-plus score was the best that Russell had showcased, his some other short cameos had certainly kept his strike rate of 150- plus intact. 

However, with regards to the upcoming IPL leg, Andre Russell now definitely has both his form and his fitness. While recently playing for the WI team, Russell had muscled some match-winning scores. Hence, with the fibrous all-rounder also being the franchise’s biggest match-winner on any given day, his current fiery form is surely a big blessing for the franchise. 

Weakness- Fitful batting order

Despite having some sturdy names, KKR’s overall batting order seemed to fail drastically even on wickets that were batting-friendly. Right from the top to bottom, almost every batter had struggled to apply themselves that also then resulted in a constant juggling amongst the No. 4, 5 and 6. Even captain Morgan, who had emerged as a backbone of the team in IPL 2020, has so far only managed to average around 15 in the first leg. 

With the franchise also being in the dire need to win all its remaining games, none of its batters barring Andre Russell are at present in the best of touches. Especially, the skipper himself is yet in due to score a 50 from a very long time and even other top-order batters like Nitish Rana lately haven’t produced some big scores. Both Shubman Gill and Dinesh Karthik will be making a comeback after June which eventually also makes them rusty. Hence, the batting order will have to collectively bat out of their skins if KKR has to qualify for the playoffs.