KKR as strong favorites in IPL 2017

IPL has stepped into its 10th year and it is speculated KKR as strong favorites in IPL 2017. It is most likely so as they form a very balanced team that has proved its worth in two IPLs. This year team has retained its top players with its strong and consistent captain Gautam Gambhir. He has led the team in two IPL victories with his tactics and quality of leading from front. One of the most consistent players in the T20 format with most number of 50s sharing the title with David Warner, another devastating left hander ruling the T20 format.

Not only GG at the top but the inclusion of Chrish Lynn makes it a very dangerous pair at the top of the bating line-up. And this was very evident in the opening match of IPL 2017 that saw Lynn hitting every ball for home run out of the park. It was one of the finest displays of aggressive bating as an opening batsman in IPL. It also put in solid proof for KKR as strong favourites thanks to the well-crafted matching winning innings from Gautam Gambhir. The opening match saw one of the best opening partnerships in the IPLs.

Though Sunil Narine did not fire with the ball this opening match but we all know how destructive he can be on his day. However the youngster Kuldeep Yadav carrying on his good form from the Australia series picked up two important wickets of McCullum and Raina. KKR has a very strong balling unit this year with Trent Boult and Chris Woaks joining the strong line-up consisting Umesh Yadav, Coulter-Nile, Shakib, Piyush Chalwa and others. On the whole the ball unit is very strong to restrict any opponent under a limited score and later fire up with the devastating bating line-up.

KKR has one of the best all-rounder line-up that has many match winners who can turn any game on their merit. Shakib has been always a dependable customer with his balling as well as handy batting performance. We cannot underestimate the skills of Yusuf Pathan, a very dangerous player who can prove fatal for any opponent ballers. He also is very handy with his balls sometimes with his slow spins that seem to come in handy in tricky situations. Woaks is also an excellent player with his skills in bating and swing balling. He can be a very dangerous all-rounder we have seen it in his international matches.

We should not forget the batting and wicket-keeping skills of Robin Uthappa who in last year’s IPL showed he is very dependable on the top order. He with Gambhir has been part of many great partnerships that has helped KKR as favourites in IPL over years. KKR is one of the team that has been favourites in every IPL with its strong team and consistent performers. Furthermore Suryakumar Yadav is a very talented youngster that has shown promises with his hard hitting skills and bating style in the lower order.

But do you know what the strongest point that makes KKR as favourites in IPLs every year? It is KKR’s most loyal and dedicated fan who are always out in number supporting their team. Along with the team owner, Mr. Khan himself who is seen cheering up his team in every match. Kolkata crowd and Eden Garden’s atmosphere is one of the most intimidating atmosphere a cricket lover will always want. With loud chants of “Korbo Lorbo Jitbo” I am sure this year IPL will be a great display of cricketing talent of KKR and prove why KKR is one of the favourites in IPL this year.

*images are from KKR.com