Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) captain Ajinkya Rahane didn’t mince his words following his team’s disappointing 39-run loss to Gujarat Titans (GT) at Eden Gardens on Monday. In a refreshingly candid post-match presentation, Rahane directly pointed the finger at the KKR batting unit, particularly the opening order, for their inability to chase down a manageable target of 199.
“I thought 199 was chaseable,” Rahane stated bluntly. “We came back well with the ball, but when you’re chasing that kind of total, you expect a good start from your openers. That’s where we’ve been struggling throughout the tournament, and it cost us again today.”
KKR’s chase faltered early, with Mohammed Siraj dismissing Rahmanullah Gurbaz cheaply. While Sunil Narine and Rahane put together a brief 41-run partnership, Rashid Khan’s introduction stifled the momentum, removing Narine just as he looked set. The middle order also struggled to accelerate against the disciplined GT bowling attack.
Rahane, who himself scored a 36-ball 50, was the only KKR batsman to show any substantial resistance. He lamented the lack of support and the inability of the batting unit to capitalize on the platform set by the bowlers.
“The pitch was a little slow, but we bowled well to restrict them below 200,” Rahane added. “We need to bat better, especially in the middle overs. We need to learn from our mistakes quickly and find a way to get those good opening starts we’re looking for.”
The KKR captain also addressed the fielding lapses that allowed GT to accumulate crucial extra runs. “Fielding is something completely in our control,” he asserted. “Saving those extra 15-20 runs can make a big difference. It’s all about attitude and being switched on throughout the 20 overs.”
KKR mentor Dwayne Bravo echoed Rahane’s sentiments, expressing that the batsmen had lost confidence. “We as a team didn’t bat properly. That’s the reality. It’s not just one or two individuals; as a batting unit, we need to find our way,” Bravo commented.
This defeat marks KKR’s fifth loss in eight matches, leaving their title defense in jeopardy. Rahane’s honest assessment, however, signals a potential shift in approach, with the captain seemingly keen to address the team’s shortcomings head-on as they look to turn their fortunes around in the remaining matches of the IPL 2025 season.
#ipl2025 #cricket #KKR #Kolkattaknightriders #Gujarattitans #Shubmangill #Ajinkyarahane #bcci
