IPL 2025: Kolkata Knight Riders Performance | How the Defending Champions Performed

IPL 2025: Kolkata Knight Riders Performance | How the Defending Champions Performed

Kolkata Knight Riders, the defending champions of the Indian Premier League, couldn't even qualify for the playoffs this season as the team lost multiple matches. The team's struggle this season was the worst in years, as it lacked strong players in multiple departments and missed overall collective performance. This article will discuss KKR's performance in the IPL 2025.

KKR: No. 8th In the Points Table
Kolkata Knight Riders, the defending champions, show a sharp decline in their position in the points table from the last year as they finished in 8th position after winning just 5 matches this season. The team also lost 7 matches in the tournament, along with this there was a significant blow to the team as two of their matches were abandoned due to rain. This no-result game cost the team a chance at the playoffs; as if the team had won both of the matches, they might have had a chance to qualify for the playoffs. The team finally finished the season with 12 points in hand and in 8th position.


KKR in IPL 2025: Inconsistent Batting

Kolkata's biggest weakness this season was their batting order, as they lacked match winners in their playing XI. Unlike last year, Kolkata did not have players like Shreyas Iyer and Phil Salt in their batting order. After the season, the management's decision to drop these two match winners was a key reason behind their poor performance. The question still remains unanswered: why did the team decide to drop the title-winning captain?

KKR in IPL 2025: Bowling Department

Kolkata's bowling department was no different, as the team lacked lethality in their lineup. If you look at last season, the team had one of the biggest and most lethal fast bowlers of modern-day cricket, Mitchell Starc, who justified the big price tag for which he was acquired last season. KKR's spin bowling lineup included Varun Chakravarthy and Sunil Narine, which was justifiable, but the pace department comprising Vaibhav Arora and Harshit Arora, shows team certainly lacked a match-winner and an experienced fast bowler.

Also Read: IPL 2025: Delhi Capitals Performance | How Delhi Failed after a Monumental Start?