IPL 2025: Kolkata Knight Riders keep playoffs hope alive but the question remains — have they started too late?

IPL 2025: Kolkata Knight Riders keep playoffs hope alive (AP Photo)

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) pulled off a thrilling one-run win over Rajasthan Royals (RR) at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, in another must-win match. The result keeps their playoff hopes alive in the IPL 2025. Batting first, KKR posted a strong total of 206/4 in 20 overs. The home crowd finally saw the intent they had been waiting for.

The pitch didn’t seem that easy to bat on, as the ball was coming on a bit slow. Still, KKR’s batters stepped up. The star of the innings was Andre Russell. The powerful all-rounder smashed his first half-century of the season. He scored an unbeaten 57 off just 25 balls, with a strike rate of 228.00. His hitting made a huge difference and gave KKR a solid total to defend.

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Russell’s batting position has often been a point of criticism. Many felt he was sent too late in earlier matches. But on Sunday, he came in earlier, and the move worked perfectly. This change was one of the few smart calls made by the KKR management. Some of the other positive changes fans saw in their last match against Delhi Capitals were missing again, though.

With the ball, KKR were tested hard. RR skipper Riyan Parag played a brilliant knock of 95 from 45 balls. Shubham Dubey also chipped in with a quick unbeaten 25 off 14. But KKR’s bowlers held their nerve and managed to win the match by the barest of margins.

Since that DC clash, every game is a must-win for KKR. If they win their remaining matches, they could reach 17 points, which might be enough to qualify for the playoffs. But the question remains — have they started too late?

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Earlier in the season, KKR kept repeating the same mistakes. The team management looked reluctant to make the needed changes. But in the game against Delhi, things started to improve. In that match, Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Sunil Narine showed strong intent in the powerplay. KKR scored 79/1 compared to DC’s 58/2. Against RR, despite Narine getting out early, Gurbaz made 35 runs at a strike rate of 140.00.

The spinners were not always sharp this season. This went against KKR. In contrast, both Narine and Varun Chakravarthy bowled well against Delhi, taking key wickets at crucial moments. That shifted the momentum in their favour. On Sunday, the trio of Narine, Moeen Ali, and Varun took four wickets for 111 runs in 11 overs. Narine went wicketless but was economical, conceding just 27 in his four overs.

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When the top order starts strong, spinners take wickets, and Russell finishes well, KKR look like a tough team to beat. These things were missing earlier in the season. But in the last two matches, they seem to have found their rhythm. With 11 points from 11 games, KKR are still in the fight. But the big question is — can they keep winning? Or is it too little, too late?