1 week Ago By Faham Uddin
Defending Champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have had a torrid run in IPL 2025. With three wins, five defeats, and a washout against Punjab Kings (PBKS), they find themselves in a tricky position in terms of playoff qualification. KKR need to win all their remaining matches to have any hopes of reaching the playoffs, however, former India cricketer Anil Kumble believes it will be an uphill task.
Kumble reflected on KKR's poor outing in IPL 2025 and said the team is yet to find the best playing XI. Against PBKS, KKR made two changes and brought in Rovman Powell and Chetan Sakariya, with both playing their first game of the season. Sakariya had a bad game and conceded 39 runs in three games, while Powell did not get a chance to bat as the match was called off due to rain.
“No, because they still haven't figured out their best playing eleven. It's not like they've won two games and now just need five more in a row or anything like that. I'm not sure - they made two changes today.
Chetan Sakariya came in as a replacement and played his first game. Rovman Powell also made his debut for KKR,” Kumble told ESPNcricinfo. Kumble said KKR need to avoid frequent changes and stick to the playing XI they played against PBKS.
“So obviously, they'll need to stick with that for now. Although Chetan bowled his overs today, Rovman will have to continue in the next game as well,” Kumble added. Why KKR Has Underperformed In IPL?While the core of the team remained the same, the loss of Shreyas Iyer was a massive blow for KKR.
They couldn't find a batter who could emulate his role in the middle order. One of the major reasons why KKR was successful last season was the opening pair of Phil Salt and Sunil Narine. Salt moved to RCB for IPL 2025, while Narine's form hasn't been great.
Venkatesh Iyer, KKR's most expensive player, has also been a letdown. The combined failure of the batting order resulted in heavy defeats for the KKR. Get Latest News Live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from IPL 2025,IPL Orange Cap, IPL Purple Cap, Most Sixes in IPL, Cricket, Sports and around the world.
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