Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), the defending champions of the Indian Premier League 2025, are going through a rough patch. With 5 losses in 8 matches, KKR’s playoff hopes are slipping as inconsistent performances from key players threaten their campaign. As the pressure mounts, fans and analysts are calling for major changes within the squad.
Andre Russell’s Form is a Major Setback
One of Kolkata Knight Riders’s most iconic match-winners, Andre Russell, is enduring a nightmare season. The West Indian all-rounder has scored just 55 runs in 6 innings, averaging 6.80 with a strike rate under 120 — far below his usual explosive standards.
His recent 21 off 15 balls against Gujarat Titans did little to help the team. Calls to drop Russell from the playing XI have grown louder.
Despite the outcry,Kolkata Knight Riders mentor Dwayne Bravo has backed the Jamaican star, stating that the problem lies in the overall lack of confidence in the batting unit. Bravo emphasized the importance of strong starts from top-order batters to reduce the pressure on finishers like Russell.
“The confidence is low, especially among our batters. We need the top order to step up,” Bravo told The Economic Times.
Leadership Under the Microscope: Ajinkya Rahane’s Challenge
Ajinkya Rahane, who was surprisingly named captain for the 2025 season, has shown some form with the bat, registering three fifties, including a solid 50 against Gujarat Titans.
However, leadership questions persist.
The team’s inconsistent performance and questionable strategic decisions have led many to question Rahane’s effectiveness as captain. Even Rahane admitted post-match that middle-order batting has been a big concern, and improvements are urgently needed to steady the ship.
Source :- Sport Samrath
Source:- Wikipedia
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