Which Teams Dominate in IPL 2017: Kolkata Knight Riders and Mumbai Indians

As we look back at the vibrant season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2017, two teams stand towering above the rest—Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Mumbai Indians (MI). This article delves into the key strengths and performances of these teams, exploring why they emerged as the strongest in the competition.

MI: The Graphite of T20 Excellence

Mumbai Indians have often been the brightest star in the IPL sky. This year, their batting lineup was bolstered by the prowess of Rohit Sharma and Jos Buttler. Pavan Pandya and Krunal Pandya brought fresh legs to the table, showcasing their uncapped talents and contributing invaluable runs. The depth of the batting order was further enhanced with the inclusion of Hardik Pandya, who has been instrumental in the team’s success, especially with the ball as a death bowler.

Jasprit Bumrah continued to impress with his variation in pace, finding the blockhole and hitting the nerves of the opposition. This focused bowling style has been a hallmark of Mumbai Indians in the past few games, ensuring the team maintains a strong lead.

KKR: The Nerve of Bats and Bowling

Kolkata Knight Riders, on the other hand, have faced a significant setback with the injury to Chris Lynn. Sunil Narine has stepped up to provide stability in the batting lineup, although this change did not come without its challenges. Nonetheless, the combination of Gautam Gambhir and Robin Uthappa has remained a formidable pair, with Coulter-Nile showing glimpses of his swing bowling skills. Ben Stokes has always provided crucial wickets for the team, maintaining their strong bowling lineup.

Hyderabad and Delhi: Fine Alternatives

While KKR and MI are clearly the standouts, Hyderabad and Delhi offer strong alternatives. Hyderabad boasts a fine combination of strong batting and bowling, while Delhi has several experienced local players like Sanju Samson, Karun Nair, Aditya Tare, and Risabh Pant. These teams have their strengths and have shown consistent performances in the Ranji Trophy, indicating a solid foundation within the ranks.

Why KKR and MI Dominate

KKR and MI are the strongest in my opinion for several compelling reasons. Both teams are well-rounded, covering the entire spectrum of requirements for a successful T20 franchise. Below is a detailed look at why these teams have emerged as the strongest:

MI: All-round Excellence

Batting Depth: MI boasts a strong batting depth from the top to the lower orders with players like Sanju Samson, Olly Stone, and others contributing consistently. Bowling Talents: The bowling lineup includes world-class players like Mitchell Johnson, Bhuvaneswar Kumar, and Mustafizur. Supporting Cast: With the likes of Krunal Pandya and Hardik Pandya, MI has key all-rounders who can contribute both off the pitch and on it. Captaincy: The presence of two stellar captains, Rohit Sharma and Gautam Gambhir, ensures that the team is well-rounded and cohesive. They back players to perform, thereby boosting team morale and confidence.

KKR: The Elemental Balance

Batting Strength: KKR has key players like David Warner, Ben Stokes, and Shreyas Gaggi providing stability and firepower. Bowling Versatility: The team has a mix of spinners and fast bowlers, led by a strong death bowling attack featuring Sunil Narine and Rahimullah Yousufzai. Captaincy: Gautam Gambhir and Robin Uthappa maintain strong leadership, guiding the team through tough patches and ensuring consistent performance.

SRH: Quality Batsmen and Bowlers

While Hyderabad (Sunrisers Hyderabad) and Delhi (Delhi Capitals) have quality players, their presence in the competition adds to the league’s overall competitiveness. SRH boasts in-form batsmen like Warner, Henriques, Yuvraj Singh, and Dhawan, while the best bowlers like Bhuvaneshwar Kumar, Mustafizur, and Rashid add depth to the team. Similarly, MI has top players like Rohit Sharma, Pollard, and Simmons who contribute significantly to the team's success.

Both Hyderabad and Delhi present balanced teams with talented players, indicating the strength and depth of talent in the IPL. However, KKR and MI's cohesive team dynamics and strong performances throughout the tournament set them apart as the strongest teams.