05 May, 2025 | 02:22 PM
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) may be riding a wave of momentum after their win against Rajasthan Royals (RR) at Eden Gardens on Sunday — their first back-to-back victories in IPL 2025 — but questions remain about their consistency in key phases of the game. With playoff hopes still alive and three matches to go, experts believe KKR must urgently address issues in their middle order and bowling strategy.
Speaking on ESPNcricinfo’s Time Out, former India batter Ambati Rayudu said that while KKR are showing resilience, their path to a potential championship requires sharper execution, particularly during the middle overs — both while batting and bowling.
“That middle period, they really need to sharpen up. If they have to win the championship again, they have to really sort that middle order out,” Rayudu said.
On Sunday, KKR posted a solid batting performance built around calculated aggression from Andre Russell and Rinku Singh. Russell, often vocal about his desire to bat higher, entered in the 13th over and played a key finishing role. Rinku, despite a mixed season, delivered in the final overs. The duo helped KKR stabilize after a shaky start, losing just two wickets post the eighth over.
Despite that, concerns persist over the form of Venkatesh Iyer and Ramandeep Singh, who were pushed down the order in favor of a more aggressive strategy.
Rayudu also pointed to inconsistent bowling changes, particularly the limited use of Russell as a bowler. Though the allrounder has eight wickets from seven bowling innings this season, he has delivered just 13.3 overs overall at an economy of 11.92.
“Russell is a wicket-taker. Even if he goes for runs, when the opposition is 75 for 5, you want someone who can get you those key wickets. That’s one area where [captain Ajinkya] Rahane has to seriously look at,” Rayudu added.
His views were echoed by former New Zealand cricketer Katey Martin, who emphasized the importance of strategic decision-making in tight games.
“When you’re 75 for 5, you ask: how do we get one more wicket? That’s the tipping point. The impact player might come in and then it’s Jofra Archer — you need to stay ahead in the game.”
Martin also noted that KKR’s ability to “scrap and fight” for wins even when not at their best is a positive sign for a team chasing a playoff spot.
“The fact is, they found a way to win — and that builds confidence. If they can just improve that intent through the middle overs, knowing they’ve got match-winners, they might just sneak through.”
KKR currently have five points from their last three games and are still in the mix for the top four. Their upcoming fixtures include bottom-ranked Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at home on Wednesday, followed by away matches against struggling Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and the in-form Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).
With momentum on their side and a clearer playoff picture emerging, KKR’s final three matches could determine whether late-season tweaks are enough to propel them into the next stage.
