STRENGTHS: In T20, all-rounders have a big role and the Knight Riders' squad is full of cricketers who may not be all-rounders, but can be quite handy with the ball. Apart from Laxmi Ratan Shukla, Angelo Matthews and Ajit Agarkar, the Knights have Chris Gayle, Sourav Ganguly, David Hussey and Brad Hodge who can slip in a few useful overs.
WEAKNESSES: Fielding and bowling at the death are two major areas of concern. The Knights are by no means the fittest of the lot and coach Dav Whatmore has a job on his hands in getting his lads to shape up. Containment is not really the strong point of Ishant Sharma, Shane Bond and Ashok Dinda. Could struggle in the slog.
OPPORTUNITY: With the likes of Gayle, Brendon McCullum, Brad Hodge, Ganguly and Manoj Tiwary at the top of the order, the Knights are capable of scoring at great pace. McCullum has shown his capabilities in the IPL opener in 2008 and Gayle proved his class in the inaugural T20 World Cup, by scoring the first T20 ton.
THREATS: McCullum won't be available till April and Gayle is inconsistency. Ishant has to find his rhythm and accuracy quickly and look to remain injury-free.