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Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), defending champions of the Indian Premier League, find themselves in a precarious position midway through the 2025 season. With five losses in eight matches, including a recent 39-run defeat to the Gujarat Titans, KKR languish at the seventh spot on the points table. Captain Ajinkya Rahane has openly acknowledged the team’s struggles, particularly the lack of strong starts, urging his side to be more ‘brave’ in their approach.
Reasons why KKR might not make it to IPL 2025 playoffs
Top order failure
KKR’s opening partnership has been a significant concern this season. Except Sunil Narine’s decent run the team has experimented with Quinton de Kock and Rahmanullah Gurbaz at the top, but neither has delivered consistent performances. De Kock, despite his experience, managed only 159 runs in 10 matches during the SA20 2025 season and had a really inconsistent run in this year’s IPL except one particular 97 runs knock, while Gurbaz’s recent inclusion saw him dismissed for just one run against Gujarat Titans. This instability at the top has often left the middle order under pressure, hindering the team’s ability to post or chase competitive totals.
Missed opportunities in the field
Fielding lapses have further compounded KKR’s challenges. The team has been part of matches with a high number of dropped catches, including a game that set a record with nine missed opportunities. Such errors have allowed opponents to capitalize and build momentum, turning the tide against KKR in crucial moments.
Management under scrutiny for pitch controversy and tactical missteps
Off-field issues have also plagued KKR’s campaign. The team has been embroiled in a pitch controversy at their home ground, Eden Gardens, with captain Rahane expressing dissatisfaction over the playing surface. This discord between the team management and ground staff has led to distractions and may have affected the players’ focus. Additionally, questionable tactical decisions during matches have drawn criticism, suggesting a lack of coherent strategy from the management.
A steep climb ahead for KKR to qualify
To secure a spot in the playoffs, KKR typically need to accumulate at least 16 points. With only six points from eight matches, the team must win at least five of their remaining six games—a daunting task given their current form. While mathematically possible, the combination of on-field inconsistencies and off-field distractions makes this a formidable challenge.
Also READ: IPL 2025: Simon Doull and Harsha Bhogle barred from commentating at KKR home games; here’s why
