Dinesh Karthik's current form will help him lead KKR confidently: Piyush Chawla

Upbeat about his team's chances in the upcoming 11th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL), Kolkata Knight Riders leg-spinner Piyush Chawla believes Dinesh Karthik's current form will be an added advantage when he steps out to lead the side for the first time in his IPL career.

Chawla said Kolkata Knight Riders are looking to a great season ahead under the new captain Dinesh Karthik.

"We are looking ahead at a very good season under the new captain Dinesh Karthik. Karthik is an experienced campaigner and his current form will help him lead the team confidently," he said.

Piyush, who has 126 IPL wickets under his belt and had picked six wickets for KKR last season, also believes that the team has an effective bowling line-up, with most of them possessing wicket taking capabilities.

"It is important to take wickets in T20 and I believe we have a good line-up of bowlers who are capable of taking wickets at crucial junctures. Kuldeep has bowled really well for team India in the past year and hence there will be added pressure on Kuldeep this year with the expectations from him growing four folds. This year there will be a lot of expectations from him but the kind of bowler he is, I am sure he will definitely do well," added Chawla.

The 11th edition of IPL will start on April 7, with Chennai Super Kings facing defending champions Mumbai Indians.

KKR will begin their IPL campaign against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) at the Eden Gardens on April 8.