KOLKATA KNIGHT RIDERS — THE SHINING ARMOUR IS MISSING

The Eoin Morgan-led franchise had a miserable run in the first phase with just two wins in seven matches. Languishing at the seventh spot, they need to win at least five out of the remaining matches to make it to the last four.

The two-time champions, who narrowly missed the fourth spot in the last two years. The inability of the think tank to have a stable middle order compounded the problems.

Strangely enough, there is no dearth of impact players. Morgan, Andre Russell, Dinesh Karthik, Lockie Ferguson and a varied spin attack came up short repeatedly in India.

In: Tim Southee (New Zealand)

Out: Pat Cummins (Australia).

Captain: Eoin Morgan

Coach: Brendon McCullum

Owner: Knight Riders Group, Red Chillies Entertainment, Mehta Group