Kolkata Knight Riders
Prediction: Outside top-4
The Knight Riders are a side that overcame poor form in first few seasons to become two-time champions. Gautam Gambhir could become the first captain to win three titles but the team will have to play out of their skins for that. The batting stocks look a bit thin. Gambhir is the batting mainstay of the team. Indians Manish Pandey and the talented Suryakumar Yadav will also have to play a crucial role along with him.
Experienced Darren Bravo has to justify his talent in T20 format while Chris lynn's exploits in the Big Bash league make him a exciting prospect. Robin Uthappa could play a vital role as a batsman along with his keeping duties while Shakib al-Hasan and Colin de Grandhomme add great value to both the bowling and batting line-up. Swing experts Trent Boult and Chris Woakes have a point to prove in the this format.
The trump card for KKR over the last few seasons has been the mystery spinner Sunil Narine. However, whether he can recreate the mystery with a remodelled action remains to be seen. With two other useful wrist spinners in leggie Piyush Chawla and chinaman bowler Kuldeep Yadav, the bowling attack could be a handful on turning wickets.