Kolkata’s build-up to today’s opening game has been quieter than in the first two seasons. They appointed a coach who prefers to stay behind the scenes, and not quote Sun Tzu; they named one captain for the entire tournament rather than pass the responsibility around; and they’ve had fewer chest-beating advertisements on television. Their owner, Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan, has, by his standards, flown under the radar. One of the few off-field developments that made headlines was their new purple and gold strip. They were even involved in the few trades that took place during the transfer window, and used it to strengthen their batting. Could the toning down of the razzmatazz that made the Knight Riders the most flamboyant team despite horrendous results engineer an on-field reform?
For proof that it can be done, they only need to look at their opponents. Deccan Chargers finished last in the opening season, winning only two games and none at home in Hyderabad. They too made significant changes – a new captain and coach – for the second season in South Africa and were surprise winners. However, they are not among the most formidable teams this season: their squad contains overseas players, who are either out of form or short on match-practice; their bowlers had struggled to contain on India’s flat batting surfaces and were more effective in South Africa.
Kolkata have only six overseas players to choose from at the moment: Brad Hodge, Owais Shah, Ajantha Mendis, Angelo Mathews, Mashrafe Mortaza and Charl Langeveldt. The likes of Brendon McCullum, Chris Gayle, David Hussey and Shane Bond will join the squad only after their international commitments.
