Sports

IIE DIGITAL DESK : Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) captain Ajinkya Rahane has provided a candid assessment of his team's performance in the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) season. Despite entering the tournament as defending champions, KKR's campaign concluded with a disappointing eighth-place finish, securing only five wins from 14 matches.  

Rahane attributed the team's underperformance to inconsistent batting displays. Key players such as Rinku Singh, Andre Russell, and Venkatesh Iyer struggled to find their rhythm throughout the season. Rahane emphasized that the failure of three to four main batters significantly impacted the team's overall performance. He stated, "As a batting unit, collectively, we couldn’t do well."  

Addressing concerns about Venkatesh Iyer's form, Rahane dismissed the notion that his high price tag led to added pressure. He explained that such lean patches are common in cricket and are not influenced by financial aspects. Rahane noted, "One off-season can happen to any player. It’s not about money or pressure from the price tag. It’s about form and the team dynamics." 

While the batting unit faced challenges, Rahane acknowledged the bowling department's commendable efforts. Players like Varun Chakravarthy and Harshit Rana delivered consistent performances, but the lack of support from the batting side meant that their efforts were often in vain. 

Reflecting on the season, Rahane admitted that KKR's inability to win crucial matches, including those against Punjab Kings, Lucknow Super Giants, and Chennai Super Kings, contributed to their early exit from the tournament. He expressed confidence in the team's potential to bounce back stronger in the next season, stating, "We tried our best... We’ll come back really stronger next year."  

KKR's 2025 IPL season was marked by batting inconsistencies and missed opportunities. However, under Rahane's leadership, the team remains focused on rebuilding and aiming for a more successful campaign in the upcoming season.