In a high-stakes IPL 2025 Clash at Eden Gardens, The Kolkata Knight Riders’ (KKR) Title defense took a major hit as they slumped to a 39-Run defeat at the Hands of Gujarat Titans. What Followed was not just another post-match pressure-but a moment of reckoning, as kkr skipper ajinkya rahane rahane candidly admitted that the 199-r target wasable “and squarely blamed the team ‘ For the loss. This loss pushes kolkata to the seventh spot in the ipl 2025 points, leaving the defending champions staring on a tough road ahead. With only four points from eight matches, the cracks in the kkr camp are no longer hidden -thehey’re’re wide open and demanding attentions.
A Tale of Two PowerPlays: Titans’ Poise vs Kkr’s Panic
After Electing to Bowl first on what was expected to be a batting-friendly Eden Surface, Kkr Delivered a Commented Performance With the Ball. Mohammed Shami, Andre Russell, And Varun Chakravarthy kept Things Tight Early on, but it was shubman gill’s classy 90 off 55 off 55 balls that set the platform for gujarat ‘.
In contrast, kkr’s powerplay turned into a nightmare. Mohammed Siraj Struck Gold Early, Trapping Rahmanullah Gurbaz Lbw with a Seaming Delivery that set the tone. While Sunil Narine and Ajinkya Rahane’s 41-R stand offered a flicker of hope, rashid khan’s brilliance snuffed it out, removing narne hee he look settled.
Captain’s Lone Fight: Rahane’s Grit Not Enough
Ajinkya Rahane Played a Captain’s Knock, Notching Up a Fighting Fifty While Holding One End. But with Wickets Tumbling Around Him, It Became Clear This was a solo rescue mission doomed from the start. The experienced right-hander looked Fluent and composed, but the lacked of support from the other end proved decisive.
In his post-match remarks, rahane Didn Bollywood Words. “I thought 199 was chaseable. We came back really well with the ball.
Middle Order Mifires Again: The Iyer-Russell-Rinku Conundrum
While Rahane’s Calm Assessment Took Center Stage, The Spotlight Quickly Shifted to His Deputy, Venkatesh Iyer, Who Once Again Failed To Justify His Price Tag with A SlugGish 14 off 19 balls. The Ever-Dangerous andre Russell and Rinku Singh, Bot Crucial to Kkr’s 2024 Title Run, LOKED LIKE SHADOWS of their Former Selves-Each Falling Cheaply Under Pressure.
This recurring trend of middle-ordeer collapses is fast batcoming kkr’s achilles heel. Rahane stressed the need for Urgency and Bravery in the Batting Unit, Saying, “This format is about being brave. You’ve got to take a positive mindset and learn from mistakes.”
Bright spots and bigger questions
Among the gloom, one name study out -angkrish raghuvanshi. Thought he didn’t light up the scoreboard, rahane’s faith in the youngsters was evident: “He’s been batting really well. Intent. ”
With fielding errors also costing vital runs, rahane urged his team to tighten up their basics. “You can control fielding. Save 10–15 runs and it makes a differentce.