THE much-hyped Kolkata Knight Riders didn’t live up to expectations in last year’s Indian Premier League and ended up winning just six of their 14 games.

Knight Riders coach Australian John Buchanan has chosen to rotate the captaincy, a move that has stirred much controversy.

But with born leaders like Indian Sourav Ganguly, West Indies captain Chris Gayle and Kiwi wicketkeeper Brendan McCullum in the side, there will be no shortage of experience for the coach to call on.

The Kolkata side, owned by Bollywood star Sharukh Khan, also features the likes of Australian batsmen Brad Hodge and David Hussey.

The bowling attack includes Sri Lankan spin wizard Ajantha Mendis and Indian quicks Ishant Sharma and Ajit Agarkar — the latter has 288 ODI scalps to his name.

Ganguly scored 349 runs in 13 innings in the inaugural tournament at an average of 29. His highest score was 91.

Pakistani bowler Umar Gul picked up the most wickets for the side in 2008 — 12 in six games — but will not play in the 2009 edition of the IPL.

South African swing bowler Charl Langeveldt has been mandated to take wickets — an area in which the team fell short last year.

The team is owned by Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan.
Source – thetimes.co.za