Remember When KKR Felt Unstoppable?

You know that feeling when your favorite team walks onto the field and you know they’ve got this? Yeah... this season, KKR fans haven’t felt that in a while.

Last year, they were roaring. The Knight Riders were swaggering into playoffs, pulling off clutch wins, and Andre Russell was launching balls into orbit like it was child’s play. Fast forward to IPL 2025, and suddenly, they’re 5 losses deep in 8 games. Ouch.

The Wall That's Crumbling? The Batting Order.

Let’s be real: the problem isn’t with the ball. It’s with the bat.

Captain Ajinkya Rahane—cool, composed, and usually diplomatic—finally said it out loud: “No complaints with the bowlers... we faltered with the batting.” Translation? Our top-order is missing. Again.

Here’s the kicker:

• •
  KKR's opening partnerships average just 19.00—the lowest in IPL 2025.
• •
  Their latest duo, Gurbaz + Narine, lasted... five balls. Yep. That’s your entire breakfast boiled egg timer.

Bravo’s Brutal Honesty: “The Batters Have Lost Confidence”

Now enter Dwayne Bravo, the man who’s never afraid to speak the truth, even when it stings.

At the post-match presser, Bravo didn’t sugarcoat it. “The batters have lost confidence.” Not form. Not focus. Confidence. And that’s a scary place to be in the IPL—where momentum is king.

He didn’t just call out Andre Russell, either. While fans are questioning Dre Russ’s strike rate (just 119.56 with only 55 runs in six innings), Bravo gave us the full picture.

“Every time Russell walks in, the required run rate is 14-15. The work needs to be done at the top... we need to bat better so he can finish games.”

Honestly? He’s not wrong.

A Left-Right Gamble That Backfired

Let’s talk tactics.

You’ve probably noticed Angkrish Raghuvanshi, one of the few KKR batters who’s actually in form, walking in at No. 9. NO. 9!?

Why? Because the team wanted to maintain a left-right combo to counter Rashid Khan and Sai Kishore. On paper, it sounds smart. In real life? Not so much.

By the time Raghuvanshi got to bat, the match was already slipping away faster than weekend plans on a rainy day.

So, What’s Actually Going Wrong?

Here's the thing—IPL isn’t just about talent. It’s about timing, trust, and temperament. And right now, KKR’s batting unit looks like it’s second-guessing every move.

It’s like when you’re stuck in a rut and even your best friend’s pep talk sounds like noise. The intent is there. The effort is there. But something’s not clicking.

Let me break it down:

The Real Issues:

• •
  No stable opening pair: Changing openers every other match doesn’t build rhythm.
• •
  Overcomplicated strategies: Left-right combos are great—but not if your best batter comes in when the match is lost.
• •
  Mental blocks: Confidence can’t be coached—it has to be rebuilt. Slowly, patiently.

Rahane’s Belief: “It’s Just a Matter of Time”

Rahane, ever the optimist, says the right things. "If you think about getting out, you will get out. If you think about scoring, that’s when things happen.”

True. But will thinking positive be enough?

This team needs a spark. Maybe a blistering 70 from Raghuvanshi. Or a Russell special. Or hey, even a cheeky 30-ball 50 from Rahane himself.

Because the playoff race isn’t waiting. And neither are the fans.

What KKR Can Try Next

• •
  Promote Raghuvanshi to open—give the kid a real shot.
• •
  Go back to basics: Pick a set top order and stick with it for 3 games minimum.
• •
  Mental reset sessions: Confidence isn’t built in the nets alone
• •
  Stop the tactical overthinking. Trust instinct over spreadsheets.

FAQs

Q1.Why is KKR’s batting struggling in IPL 2025?

A. Mainly due to unstable opening partnerships, poor form, and low confidence among key batters like Russell and Venkatesh Iyer.

Q2. Is Andre Russell still playing as a finisher?

A. Yes, but he’s often coming in too late with impossible targets. He’s not getting the ideal setup to shine.

Q3. Will KKR still qualify for playoffs?

A. It’s possible—but they’ll need to win at least 4 of their next 6 games and fix the top-order issues ASAP.

Q4. What’s Rahane’s role in all this?

A. As captain, Rahane is calm under pressure, backing his players, but also acknowledging the cracks in the batting department.