KKR vs GT: Time for Kolkata to revamp their IPL 2025 strategy

Gujarat Titans (GT) defeated Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) by 39 runs in their IPL 2025 encounter at Eden Gardens. After winning the toss, KKR's batting team failed to put pressure on GT's bowling. Having won the toss, KKR's batting department was not able to put pressure on GT's bowling. The team looked completely out of sorts, and nothing seemed to fall in their favor.

KKR's batting woes

KKR's batting strategy came under criticism as they played young gun Angkrish Raghuvanshi at No. 9.The best cultured KKR batsman was Raghuvanshi with 27 from 13 balls at a strike rate of 207.69. Fans were surprised by the team's move to give a late promotion to Raghuvanshi. Sticking to their left-right batting strategy, KKR made an interesting move that didn't quite work out.

Andre Russell's form eases past him

Andre Russell's quest for form went on as he struck a few boundaries before being bowled by Rashid Khan's trickery. Before Russell walked in, the needed run rate had risen to nearly 14.5, and it was going to be challenging for him to make a contribution. Russell's failure to seal the game was apparent, and KKR's bank on him to rescue them appeared to be a losing proposition.

Expert analysis

Seasoned leg-spinner Anil Kumble condemned the strategy of KKR, whose compulsion for a left-right batting order, he said, may be causing them more damage than good. "I feel the whole 'right-left combination' thing is a bit hype," Kumble declared. "Yes, you do have to consider matchups, but it does not always come about." The criticism by Kumble forced the need for the rethinking in KKR's strategy and adaptability in the batting plan.

Looking forward

KKR will seek to regain their form when they take on Shreyas Iyer's Punjab Kings (PBKS) on April 26 at the Eden Gardens. Having already lost five games, KKR will need to refuel and reboot their strategy in an attempt to stage a decent comeback in the tournament. The team will have to work on their batting strategy and look for ways to form strong partnerships if they hope to change their fortunes.

In summary, the defeat of KKR by GT was a wake-up call to the team. They must change their strategy and work out ways to enhance their batting and bowling output. With proper strategy and a bit of luck, KKR can still turn their season around and stage a strong comeback in the tournament.