Indian Premier League: Can the Kolkata Knight Riders Defend the Title?

Across the seven seasons of the IPL so far, if there's one team that has seen the highest of highs and the lowest of lows, it's the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). From finishing sixth in Season one and last in Season two, to becoming champions in 2012 and 2014, KKR has swung from one extreme to another. (Narine's Bowling Action Cleared by BCCI)

The complexion of the team has changed multiple times. A Dilliwallah has taken the team from Kolkata to two titles and in the process has become an honorary Kolkatan. Some of the biggest names in world cricket, from Jacques Kallis to Chris Gayle, from Ricky Ponting to Brendon McCullum have played for the team.

All that though is now history. The one question that's on every KKR fan's mind is - can the Knight Riders defend the title? (Friends, Foes and Friends Again - Return of the Indian Premier League)

KKR have a new jersey this time, but under Gautam Gambhir's captaincy, the team is expected to display the same sort of intensity that they showcased last season, especially after the Dubai leg.

They begin their campaign this time with a home game against the Mumbai Indians and that should be an immediate plus point for Gambhir and company. The Eden Gardens is a fortress of sorts for KKR. They have won 24 out of 38 IPL games played at the Eden Gardens. (Indian Premier League 2015: Players to Watch Out For)

According to KKR's Surya Kumar Yadav, "It's a blessing in disguise to start off at the Eden Gardens. It has an unbelievable atmosphere. Playing at home has always been great."

Another big shot in the arm for the team is the fact that Sunil Narine has been cleared to bowl by the BCCI. The premier spinner for the Knights is a tried and tested match winner and the only specialist bowler in the history of the tournament to have an economy rate of under six. (IPL Opener Against KKR a 'Challenge': Ricky Ponting)

It's strange to think that Narine, who is synonymous with KKR, has been with the team for only 3 seasons so far. Incredibly, Narine was the Man of the Tournament in his very first season in 2012. Not too many batsmen have figured out how to play the West Indian.

The Knight Riders though have a knack of tracking mystery spinners and this season Narine won't be the only such tweaker they will unleash on the opposition. They also have the chinaman bowler Kuldeep Yadav.

Narine has been a key part of the Knight Riders' success.

© BCCI

One new face the KKR camp is very excited about this time is new recruit KC Cariappa. Many an eyebrow was raised when KKR shelled out Rs 2.4 crore for the little known 20-year-old Karnataka rookie. The five feet eleven inch spinner though has impressed everyone in the defending champions' camp.

Surya Kumar, who saw Cariappa up close and personal at the nets said, "He's going to be different and difficult for the opponents."

According to reports, KKR captain Gautam Gambhir failed to read Cariappa consistently during a trial at KKR's camp in Hyderabad last September. Interestingly, Cariappa is a leg spinner with a grip that allows him to bowl off breaks and leg breaks.

KKR in fact have as many as seven specialist spin options in their squad. Their spin department looks well settled. The fast bowling one looks menacing. KKR have the likes of Morne Morkel, the in-form Umesh Yadav, Pat Cummins and Andre Russell in their ranks.

There is no dearth of firepower in the batting line-up as well. From the skipper and opening batsman Gautam Gambhir, to the extremely talented Robin Uthappa (who broke the world record for the most number of consecutive 40 scores in the T20 format in 2014), to the explosive Manish Pandey, the temperamental Yusuf Pathan, to finishers Ryan Ten Doeschate, Andre Russell and Surya Kumar Yadav - KKR have an eclectic selection of big hitters.

What is missing though is a middle order batsman, who can play the role of a sheet anchor or someone who can turn the game solely with his batting, like Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers and Suresh Raina do. Some of KKR's batsmen will have to step up to the plate and play that role when needed, like Pandey did in the 2014 final - his 50-ball 94 helped KKR pull off the highest successful chase (200/7) in any T20 final.

The Knight Riders might not boast huge Indian or international names, but big names don't always guarantee success and no team knows that better than the Knight Riders. In the first season, KKR had the likes of Sourav Ganguly, Chris Gayle, McCullum, Ponting, Shoaib Akhtar and David Hussey. They lost seven of their 14 matches, finishing sixth.

KK will miss the services of Jacques Kallis this season

© BCCI

One big change this time will be the absence of the KKR wall, Jacques Kallis. The South African legend will not play in the IPL anymore and has taken over the role as mentor with the Knight Riders. What this does though is open up a spot for a foreigner in the playing eleven and KKR seem to be on top of this situation.

Kallis' spot could well go to Azhar Mahmood, who KKR have signed as a replacement player (in the absence of the injured James Neesham and Chris Lynn.) The former Pakistan cricketer, who is now a British National, has played 213 T20 matches and can be very useful with both bat and ball.

Another foreign player spot will open up when Shakib al Hasan is not available. Bangladesh host Pakistan from April 15 onwards and Shakib will play only as many matches for KKR this time as his national schedule allows.

However, another replacement signee Johan Botha, will be the perfect replacement for Shakib. KKR CEO Venky Mysore in fact has said, "He (Botha) is a Shakib type of player. Whenever Shakib is unavailable, Botha fits in with similar skills."

Is KKR one of the most potent forces in the IPL ahead of the 2015 season?

The answer seems to be yes. With massive home ground advantage and an arsenal that has both specialists and all-rounders, the Knight Riders will start season eight very high on confidence.

Watch out for the two KKR vs Chennai matches on the 28th and 30th of April. CSK beat KKR in the final of the Champions League T20 last year by 8 wickets, after Narine was banned from bowling in the summit clash. The Knights will have a score or two to settle.

Shah Rukh Khan, who is possibly the most popular IPL team owner, tweeted to say, "My boys are in full strength. KKR squad is now ready & all set to play their hearts out."

The captain is still hopeful of a national comeback. The youngsters are desperate to impress the selectors. The team would love nothing more than to defend their IPL crown. Another title triumph will make KKR the most successful IPL team ever. History beckons Gambhir and his boys. There can be no bigger motivation for the Knights to ride to glory again.