What made KKR successful ?

A city that has long lived on the fringes of sporting success hit the headlines
for the right reasons when Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) won the fifth IPL
title on 27
th
May, 2012 after four years of embarrassment and humiliation.
In the first three years they went through all the lows and became
synonymous with losing. After three disappointing seasons, the
management revamped the entire team and the results showed after
promising start, but they failed to win the crunch matches. Still signs were
there of better things to come in future, and next season KKR were
deserving champions and their campaign a glorious revival. There are
several reasons which attributed to the success and turnaround the
fortunes of the poorest performing franchise.
Team composition: In the lead-up to the 2011 auction, the Knight
Riders management retained none of their players and built a
completely new team where balance was given priority.
Leadership: Though Sourav Ganguly has been the best Indian
captain, but he failed to inspire KKR in the fag-end of his career. The
first three seasons were weighed down by a leader past his prime
fitness and form. The team needed new thinking and vision, and in
came Gautam Gambhir. His leadership conformed to his aggressive
character and though he was emotive on the field his team was not
adversely affected by it, they were galvanised instead.
Stability: The captain and management was patient with under-
performing players, especially those who are part of the core group,
and with a team that shape shifted several times before arriving at its
ideal combination. It gave the team required confidence and stability.
Motivation: The team roped in sports psychologist Rudi Webster as
mental conditioning coach who motivated the players to bring about a
change in the attitude of the players.
Patience and resilience: Shah Rukh Khan, the owner of KKR never
gave up, and his decision to stick instead of twist, went beyond simple
economic or financial reasons. He seemed to have a sharp
understanding of his franchise, its hometown and its fans. They were
emotional and theatrical, so was he and he played them like a finely-
tuned harmonium.
Team spirit and focusing on goals: An invidious atmosphere, one of
distrust, mistrust and bloated egos, was replaced by an honest team
ethic and focus shifted to building for the future. The drama was
toned down, the team returned to first principles and decisions were
once again taken for cricketing reasons.
New coaching and mentor staff: Trevor Bayliss, chief coach along
with Wasim Akram and Dahiya stayed behind the scenes and helped
the team reach its ultimate goal.
Defined Roles: All the players chipped in with valuable performances
throughout the tournament, and everyone had defined roles and
responsibilities making the job easier.
Effective resource utilization: KKR had the variety of slower bowlers
effectively using the slow and low wicket of their home turf, Eden
Gardens making it their strong den.