It is important to analyze who stands where? The IPL 8 tournament is just a few days away. Let us check the SWOT analysis of each IPL team.

IPL 2015 | IPL 8

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR): The IPL 7 champions are the tough team to beat. Gambhir’s captaincy and batting could be a matter of Strength for the entire team. If Gambhir provides some explosive start in the initial overs, then KKR can easily pose a big total. Some other big players in the team include the likes of Manish Pandey, Robin Uthappa, Yusuf Pathan and others.

The major Weakness of KKR is the uncertainty surrounding Sunil Naraine. It is still unclear whether the mysterious off-spinner will play IPL 2015 or not. Some reports also confirmed that Shakib-Al-Hassan may also miss the IPL. This will make a huge difference for sure.

The major Threat before KKR is to counter Mumbai Indians (MI) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Kolkata will have to play cautious cricket against these two teams in particular. Amidst all the challenges the tournament is certain to provide a larger Opportunity to the youngsters.

Mumbai Indians (MI): Rohit Sharma is a determined guy. It was the effort of this talented cricketer that Mumbai team won the IPL trophy in 2013. Rohit will once again measure its Strength which is the presence of some famous world class cricketers in the team. Lasith Malinga, Kieron Pollard, Harbhajan Singh, Corey Anderson and Aaron Finch are capable to sway the match in anyone’s favor. Moreover with Sachin Tendulkar’s presence in the dressing room as a mentor, nothing is impossible.

The major Weakness of the team is non-presence of quality bowlers apart from Malinga and Harbhajan. If these two bowlers do not click, then it will be difficult for MI to defend their total. IPL8 will also be an Opportunity for young cricketers like Parthiv Patel, Unmukt Chand, etc. to prove their capabilities on the field. The vital Threat for the team will be to play well at big clashes and make it to the semifinal this year.

Chennai Super Kings (CSK): Considered to be one of the most prolific contenders for the trophy, the team is expected to make it to the semis again. The Strength of the team is presence of some good players like Dhoni, Hussey, McCullum, Bravo, Ashwin and Jadeja.

It is hard to analyze the Weakness of this team considering the way these guys play the game. However, Dhoni’s fatigue due to excess cricket over the last few months in Australia might affect his captaincy and performance this time.

IPL 2015 will be a golden Opportunity for Indian skipper to prove his mettle one more time after a disappointing exit from the World Cup. The Threat of the team will be KKR for sure. They are the champions and Gambhir’s aggressive captaincy on the field could outwit Captain Cool Mahi anytime.

Rajasthan Royals (RR): One of the most unpredictable teams of this tournament, they can really beat any team with their astute discipline and strategy. The Strength of the team is the presence of world class Aussie players. Amongst them, Watson will lead the team while Faulkner and Smith will be asset for the team. The Weakness of the side is a lack of a world class specialist bowler to spearhead RR’s bowling attack.

It will be a great Opportunity for new faces of RR to play against world class cricketers and it will be a level playing field as well. Who knows they might be representing India after few years? When you talk of Threat, the inexperienced cricketers could definitely find it difficult to muster some last over finishes typical to IPL fashion.

Kings XI Punjab (KXIP): Last year’s runner-up will try it hard to win their maiden trophy. The presence of some explosive batsmen including Sehwag, Maxwell and Miller could chase down any total. The Strength of the team is its batting. However the team doesn’t look so good in bowling. It is definitely a big Weakness for the side. Apart from Mitchell Johnson, no other bowler is experienced.

The major Threat for the team will be to defend its opponent while bowling second. Kings Xi Punjab don’t have a specialist spinner either. This may pose a threat while they try to defend a total. Opportunities are plenty for the young and veteran cricketers alike.

Delhi Daredevils (DD): One of the most underrated teams of IPL, Delhi team seems very different now. Its Strengths lie in its skipper JP Duminy. This Proteas all-rounder is considered to be a T20 specialist. Also the pace attack from Mohammad Shami and Zaheer could be difficult for any team.

The Weakness of the team is its inconsistent performance. Delhi have always been a tough side but they failed to rise on big occasions. The team will have Opportunities this time to prove its worth and clinch the trophy. The major threat for the team is lack of experienced batsman apart from Duminy and Manoj Tiwary.

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH): The Strength of this team are its bowlers. It has a fearsome combination of Dale Steyn, Bhuveneshwar Kumar and Trent Bouilt in its bowling department. As far as its Weaknesses are concerned, then its batting is one of the major Weaknesses.

Apart from Warner and Kane Williamson the team doesn’t have other experienced cricketer. SRH has the Opportunity to create history by winning their first IPL trophy and get away from the tag – weak team. However it would not be easy. Other teams may pose a serious Threat to SRH due to lack of good batsmen.

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB): The team has capable performers in each aspect of the game. Virat Kohli, Ab De Villiers, Rilee Rossouw and Chris Gayle can exploit any stadium. The Strength of the team is the match winners in the team.

The Weakness of the team is its inability to play well in the final. The team has qualified twice in the finals of IPL but could not lift the trophy even once. It will be a golden Opportunity for Kohli to shut mouth of his critics due to his failure at World Cup semifinal against Austalia. Although the team looks a gigantic one yet it has to stay on the ground. One of the major Threats before the team is to avoid overconfidence at all cost and stay focused.

Tags: Chennai Super Kings, CSK, DD, Delhi Daredevils, Indian Premier League, IPL, IPL 2015, IPL 8, Kings XI Punjab, KKR, Kolkata Knight Riders, KXIP, MI, Mumbai Indians, Rajasthan Royals, RCB, Royal Challengers Bangalore, RR, SRH, Sunrisers Hyderabad, SWOT Analysis