The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are at an important stage of IPL 2025. After rain caused their match against Punjab Kings (PBKS) to be called off, KKR now sit seventh in the IPL points table. With the time for playoffs fast approaching, the path ahead looks simple but daunting; KKR need to win their next five league matches to stay in contention.
Former India captain and coach, Anil Kumble laid out a realistic assessment of KKR’s opportunity. On JioCinema, Kumble pointed out the main problems with KKR; poor stability and players being dropped and brought back constantly. Chetan Sakariya and Rovman Powell might have only made their KKR debuts recently — a reminder that KKR hasn’t settled on its best XI midway through the year — and that can be disconcerting.
The KKR vice-captain’s form, Venkatesh Iyer, is perhaps most alarming. Iyer has only scored 135 from six innings, nowhere near the expectation for him. Kumble suggested KKR should look at promoting Iyer higher up the batting order, placing him in his more natural position higher in the order where he has historically done well, especially against pace early in the innings. Perhaps letting Iyer face a few more balls is key in reclaiming his best form and reigniting KKR’s top order.
Although the task ahead seems daunting, there is a positivity within the KKR camp. Fast bowler Vaibhav Arora noted the team’s expectations and said that they were still intent on making the playoffs. He said that from herein every match would be regarded as a sort of ‘knockout’, and the players wanted to still fight till the end.
For KKR, it is imperative that they not only win games, but return to their identity as a team. If they want to achieve what would certainly be a remarkable comeback, they must have a consistent batting order, a confident bowling attack and are sharper with their execution.
The odds are against them, and it is important to note however, that in the IPL momentum can change overnight. If KKR engage with their rhythm, find their winning streak – then KKR’s final hope of making the playoffs could still be a possibility.