When the chips were down for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), the heavens opened up, delivering what can only be described as a divine intervention. The 35,000 fans at the stadium witnessed a rollercoaster of emotions as Varun Chakravarty was taken to the cleaners by Prabhsimran Singh, painting a grim picture for KKR’s IPL campaign. With Punjab Kings (PBKS) posting a mammoth 200-plus total on a tricky wicket, KKR’s bowlers looked toothless, and the fans were left fuming during the dinner break.
Chasing such a target against the likes of Arshdeep Singh, Marco Jansen, and Yuzvendra Chahal seemed like a Herculean task. Another loss at home would have all but ended KKR’s playoff hopes. But then, the skies roared, and the rain poured down in torrents. The groundstaff, despite their best efforts, struggled to cover the square as the downpour intensified. For Kolkata, the rain was a much-needed respite from the sweltering heat and humidity. For KKR, it was a lifeline—a stroke of luck that could reignite their faltering campaign.
While the rain saved KKR from a potential defeat, it also raised questions about some of the team’s tactical decisions. Against Gujarat Titans (GT), Andre Russell picked up the first wicket but didn’t bowl again. The same pattern repeated against PBKS—Russell dismissed the dangerous Priyansh Arya early but was only brought back for the final over. Is Russell unfit? Or is this part of a strategy that’s beyond comprehension? The way Russell sprinted along the boundary suggested he was in good shape, leaving fans and pundits alike scratching their heads.
KKR finally included Rovman Powell in the playing XI, a move that was long overdue. But where was he supposed to bat? When chasing 200, why not open with him and take advantage of the hard ball and field restrictions? KKR’s predictability has been their Achilles’ heel, while teams like PBKS have reaped the rewards of thinking outside the box. Prabhsimran Singh and Priyansh Arya have been instrumental in PBKS’s success, while KKR’s Gurbaz has struggled for consistency. Why not experiment with Powell at the top of the order?
As the rain lashed Kolkata, it brought not just relief from the heat but also a glimmer of hope for KKR. Such unexpected twists are not uncommon in cricket. Remember the 2007 Test series between India and England? Rain saved India from certain defeat at Lord’s, and Rahul Dravid’s men went on to win the series 1-0, thanks to Zaheer Khan’s heroics. For KKR, this point could be the turning point they desperately needed.
Take the point, regroup, and restart. The gods seem to have spoken—KKR’s campaign isn’t over yet. In sports, as they say, it’s never over until it’s over.
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Rain had the final say after #Prabhsimran and #PriyanshArya‘s fifties steered PBKS to a competitive score of 201 v #KKR. The teams collected one point each.https://t.co/rowV7dVoFy
— Indiabet Global (@IndiabetGlobal) April 26, 2025
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