Why is KKR struggling in IPL 2025?

By Ravi - Apr 23, 2025 04:11 PM
Last updated on Apr 23, 2025 04:11 PM

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) performed brilliantly in IPL 2024 and won the title, but their road in IPL 2025 has not been easy. With five losses in eight matches, KKR's current situation is worrying. Here are five major reasons why KKR is struggling this season

1. Shreyas Iyer Release

KKR won their third title in 2024 under the captaincy of Shreyas Iyer, but the decision to release him before 2025 was shocking. Ajinkya Rahane was made the new captain, but his lack of strategy and lack of effective leadership on the field proved to be detrimental for KKR. Shreyas Iyer, who is now the captain of Punjab Kings, showed excellent form by scoring 263 runs, raising questions about KKR's decision.

2. KKR Performance at Home Ground

Eden Gardens, which has been KKR's fortress, has become a source of tension for them this season. Three defeats in four home matches, including a crushing 39-run defeat against Gujarat Titans, have shaken their confidence. Rahane also expressed his displeasure over the pitch conditions, which did not suit their spin-centric strategy.

3. Poor shot selection by batsmen

KKR's batting has been unstable this season. The early dismissal of Rahmanullah Gurbaz in the recent match against Gujarat Titans and not scoring a single boundary in 36 balls in the middle overs shows their strategic disorientation. The decision to send young batsman Angkrish Raghuvanshi at number 9 was also incomprehensible. Ajinkya Rahane may have scored 200 runs, but he did not get enough support from the other batsmen.

4. Experienced players are not in form

KKR relied on 36-year-old experienced players like Sunil Narine and Andre Russell, but both of them have performed averagely this season. Narine did not take any wicket in six of the recent 10 matches and his contribution with the bat was also limited. Russell played a short innings of 21 runs against Gujarat, but his failure at crucial moments put KKR in trouble.

5. Strategic and selection mistakes

KKR retained their spin strength, but their bowling attack lacked depth. Chetan Sakariya was included after fast bowler Umran Malik was injured, but other fast bowlers like Anrich Nortje did not look fully fit. Apart from this, losing an influential opener like Phil Salt and Quinton de Kock's failure to perform as expected also caused their problems.

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