KKR skipper Ajinkya Rahane calls 199 “chaseable” but blames poor batting and lack of intent for team’s fifth defeat of IPL 2025; says learning fast is key as playoffs hopes hang by a thread.
📍Kolkata | April 22, 2025
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) captain Ajinkya Rahane was candid in his post-match assessment after his side slumped to a 39-run loss at the hands of Gujarat Titans (GT) at Eden Gardens on Monday. Chasing 199, KKR’s inconsistent batting effort once again proved to be their undoing as they were held to 159/8 despite a promising bowling performance earlier in the match.
“I thought 199 was chaseable. We bowled really well, but we faltered with our batting. We need to learn quickly and move on,” said Rahane after the game.
🧨 Another Incomplete Chase
After winning the toss and electing to bowl first, KKR managed to restrict GT to 198/3, a respectable effort on a batting-friendly surface. However, their response with the bat was uninspiring:
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz fell for 1 in the first over.
- Sunil Narine and Rahane offered a brief 41-run stand.
- Venkatesh Iyer (14 off 19) and the misfiring middle order, including Andre Russell and Rinku Singh, failed to apply themselves.
Rahane’s 50-run knock was a lone stand of resistance, but it wasn’t enough to spark a turnaround.
💬 Rahane on KKR’s Batting Troubles
The captain did not mince words about the top-order’s repeated failures:
“We are struggling with our opening starts this season. When you’re chasing a big total like this, you need to start well. We haven’t done that. And in the middle overs, our batters need to show more intent.”
He also emphasized the importance of mindset:
“This format is about being brave. You need to take risks and stay positive. I have complete faith in our middle order. It’s just a matter of time.”
🛡️ Praise for Bowlers, Worry About Fielding
While the batting came under fire, Rahane reserved praise for the bowlers:
“No complaints with our bowling — the effort was excellent. But fielding is one area where we can control the game better. If we save 10–15 runs in the field, that makes a difference.”
🧮 What’s Next for KKR?
With just four points from eight matches, KKR now sit seventh on the points table, and their playoff chances are dwindling fast. The defending champions now face a must-win clash against Punjab Kings on Saturday, where they’ll look to regroup and revive their campaign.
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