A new season always brings in new hope and Kolkata Knight Riders will look to shed the disappointments of last year when they launch their campaign against Sunrisers Hyderabad in Chennai on Sunday.

The last time these two sides met, KKR triumphed in a thrilling encounter, courtesy a brilliant spell of bowling from Lockie Ferguson in the Super Over.

The Knights have been bolstered by the addition of Shakib-al Hasan, whose all-round capabilities will provide depth in the middle overs.

“I am really looking forward to this season. Considering the possible holes we had in our squad last year, we had a very good auction this year, made some good recruitment decisions, and managed to get people on board with a small budget, giving us a lot more depth around the squad,” said captain Eoin Morgan on Saturday.

“…It’s important to have strength and depth in the squad. Shakib gives us different dynamics in the team. Given that we play at different venues where the conditions change quite a lot, you have a spin bowling all-rounder who had success in international cricket and IPL at different stages. If called upon, he can definitely deliver,” Morgan hoped.

He also sounded upbeat on Dinesh Karthik, whom he succeeded as captain last year.

“DK offers a lot with the bat and behind the stumps. He has been in fine form… he times the ball beautifully and hits the ball further than most of the guys. He offers a huge amount of support to me on the pitch and off the field as well. Very grateful that he is in good form and in our team,” he said.

Sunrisers, on the other hand, will rely heavily on the experience of their international stars, David Warner and Kane Williamson, at the top of the order.

The bowling unit has been their strength — Bhuvneshwar Kumar and T. Natarajan, post a successful series against England, will be a massive boost coming into the first game of the season.

Today’s match: Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Kolkata Knight Riders, Chennai (7.30pm)