On Friday, the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) gathered for a team dinner, a private affair that doubled as a crucial bonding session. The scars of their recent defeat to Punjab Kings, where KKR’s batting lineup crumbled spectacularly—losing five wickets for just seven runs—were still fresh. Yet, the mood in the camp remains resilient, with no signs of negativity seeping into the dressing room.
KKR would like to believe that their batting collapse against PBKS was an anomaly. However, a deeper concern looms. Last season, during their triumphant campaign, they lost only three matches in the group stage. This year, they’ve already stumbled in four of their first seven games.
With 16 points typically securing a playoff berth, KKR must now win at least five of their remaining seven matches. Their next challenge? A high-octane clash against the formidable Gujarat Titans at Eden Gardens on Monday. Given the pitch’s nature, another run-fest is on the cards.
One of KKR’s glaring issues this season has been their middle-order’s inability to fire collectively. The debacle at Mullanpur was extreme, but even against Lucknow Super Giants at home, the defending champions lost five wickets for 23 runs between overs 13 and 17. At 162/2 after 12.5 overs, chasing 239, the game was within their grasp. Yet, Ajinkya Rahane & Co. faltered. Earlier, against Mumbai Indians at Wankhede, they were skittled out for a paltry 116 in 16.2 overs.
Andre Russell’s form has been a significant factor in KKR’s middle-order woes. At the halfway mark, questions about his place in the XI are valid—just 34 runs in seven matches, fitness concerns, and minimal bowling contributions (only 6.3 overs in seven games). The stats paint a grim picture, and the idea of benching him doesn’t seem far-fetched, especially with Rovman Powell waiting in the wings. But it’s not that simple.
Russell has faced only 31 deliveries across seven matches, often batting too low in the order. Against PBKS, he walked in at No. 7 and was left stranded. Against LSG and MI, he was sent in at No. 7 and No. 8, respectively, leaving him little room to settle.
Abhishek Nayar has rejoined Kolkata Knight Riders as one of their support staff for the remainder of #IPL2025. How did the move happen?@debasissen and @shamik100 with more details from Eden Gardens pic.twitter.com/9DwQBw8Kl1
— Indiabet Global (@IndiabetGlobal) April 19, 2025
KKR’s vice-captain, Venkatesh Iyer, addressed the issue recently. “From an analytics perspective, the entry point is crucial,” he said. “You assess if a pitch suits a player and decide accordingly.”
Russell is a KKR legend, and his past performances have earned him significant leeway. Retained for Rs 12 crore ahead of the mega auction, the decision seemed justified. Last year, he scored 222 runs at a strike rate of 185.00 and took 19 wickets, proving his worth as the team’s X-factor.
Despite his struggles, Russell is hitting the ball well in the nets. However, translating net form to match performance is a different ball game. Pressure in competitive fixtures can dent confidence, and a string of low scores hasn’t helped.
Russell is leaving no stone unturned to regain form. On Saturday, he put in extra hours at the CAB indoors before hitting the nets. The return of Abhishek Nayar to the coaching setup could also provide a boost, given their long-standing association at KKR and Trinbago Knight Riders.
Now, the KKR management faces a critical decision. Promoting Russell up the order could give him the platform to find his rhythm. Alternatively, a brief break might help him recharge and return stronger. A batting-order reshuffle seems the more viable option.
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Only a few days ago, it came to light that Abhishek Nayar has been relieved from his position of the Indian team’s assistant coach. From that point of view, things happened quickly, with the 41-year-old joining the KKR set-up.
@shamik100 #KKR #IPL2025 https://t.co/LtSzvZmea6
— Indiabet Global (@IndiabetGlobal) April 19, 2025
