It’s a do-or-die situation for the defending IPL champions, Kolkata Knight Riders. The departure of Shreyas Iyer, Mitchell Starc, Phil Salt, and mentor Gautam Gambhir has derailed the franchise in IPL 2025. With 9 points from 10 matches, they will have to win the remaining four matches to stand a chance of making it to the playoffs.
The performance of all six retained players has been inconsistent, and with new captain Ajinkya Rahane at the helm of affairs, KKR have found it difficult to challenge its rivals at home and away matches.
Former RCB coach Sanjay Bangar is still backing the Knight Riders and wants to see them in contention for the second round. Kolkata will take on Rajasthan Royals in their next home game on May 4 at the Eden Gardens.
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A win will keep them alive in the 18th season, but if they lose against RR, they will become the fourth team after CSK, SRH, and Rajasthan to get eliminated.
Bangar thinks KKR’s presence in the next round will improve the overall health of the competition. “Kolkata Knight Riders have batters and bowlers who can win matches single-handedly. Their world-class spinners can take wickets on any track. Andre Russell has started showing some form,” he said.
“Top-order will have to fire with the bat. Sunil Narine has done well with the ball, but he needs to contribute with the bat as well. KKR remaining in the playoff race will be good for IPL 2025,” he added.