IPL 2025: KKR’s Batting Woes Continue, Bravo Backs Russell Despite Loss

Kolkata Knight Riders’ mentor Dwayne Bravo didn’t mince words after his team’s disappointing loss to Gujarat Titans at Eden Gardens, pointing to a lack of confidence among the batters as a key reason for the defeat. Chasing a steep 199, KKR crumbled to 159 for 8, with the top and middle order failing to set a platform for their big-hitting finishers.

Bravo praised the bowlers for keeping Gujarat under 200, crediting them for restricting a rampant Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan. “Our bowling group did a fantastic job,” he said. “At the halfway stage, we were the happier team.” But the optimism faded quickly as KKR’s batting faltered. A sluggish powerplay yielded just 45 runs for the loss of both openers, and the middle overs saw Ajinkya Rahane and Venkatesh Iyer crawl to 23 runs in four overs. By the 13th over, KKR were reeling at 91 for 4.

Despite having heavyweights like Rinku Singh, Andre Russell, and Ramandeep Singh in the dugout, the asking rate proved too daunting. Russell’s 15-ball 21, his highest score this IPL season, briefly raised hopes with a flurry of sixes, but he fell to legspinner Rashid Khan, continuing a troubling trend of dismissals against spin. Bravo, however, dismissed concerns about Russell’s struggles against leg spinners. “He’s an experienced, successful player,” Bravo said. “It’s not just him struggling. The team isn’t batting well as a unit.”

Bravo emphasized that the top order needs to step up to give finishers like Russell a fighting chance. “When Russell comes in, the run rate is already 14-15. The work needs to be done at the top to allow our finishers to do what they do best,” he said. He acknowledged the mental toll of a tough IPL campaign, noting, “When you don’t start well, batsmen lose confidence, and that’s what’s happening now.”

Despite calls for spin-friendly pitches at Eden Gardens, Gujarat posted 190-plus, thanks to half-centuries from their top-order batters. Bravo refused to blame the pitch, stating, “Nothing is wrong with the wicket. They played better, won key moments, and their top order set the tone. We didn’t play well in all three facets of the game.”

As KKR look to turn their season around, Bravo remains focused on backing his players. “We need to keep preparing well, stay mentally focused, and hope the batters come good,” he said. With the IPL 2025 race heating up, KKR’s misfiring batting unit will need to find their spark soon to keep

                                               

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