KKR’s Batting Woes Continue as Rahane and Bravo Admit Confidence Crisis

Kolkata Knight Riders' title defence took another hit as they slumped to their fifth defeat in eight matches, falling to Gujarat Titans by 39 runs in Ahmedabad. While the bowlers managed to claw the team back into the game after a brisk GT start, KKR’s underperforming batting unit faltered yet again, leaving captain Ajinkya Rahane and mentor Dwayne Bravo with tough questions to answer.

Chasing 199, KKR could only muster 159 for 8, undone by a series of batting collapses and a lack of intent at the top. Rahane, who led from the front with a fighting 50 off 36 balls, admitted post-match that the bowling unit had done its part, but the batting department had repeatedly let the team down this season.

"I thought 199 was chasable," Rahane said. "We came back into the game well with the ball. But when you are chasing that kind of total, a good start from the openers is key. That’s where we are struggling."

The opening partnership, a problem area all season, again failed to deliver. The new pair of Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Sunil Narine lasted just five balls. With an average opening stand of just 19.00 this season—worst among all teams—KKR’s top-order instability has forced the rest of the lineup into damage control far too often.

Mentor Dwayne Bravo pulled no punches at the post-match press conference, suggesting that the team’s batters were struggling mentally as much as technically.

"We didn’t bat properly, that’s just the reality," Bravo said. "Russell isn’t the only one struggling—this is a team-wide issue. The guys are low on confidence, and that’s what happens when you don’t start well in a tournament like the IPL."

Andre Russell, usually a key figure in KKR’s power-hitting arsenal, has only scored 55 runs in six innings this season at a strike rate of 119.56. Bravo defended the under-fire allrounder, saying Russell often walked in with the required run rate at 14 or 15, making it nearly impossible for him to perform in his traditional finisher's role.

"The work needs to be done at the top so he has a chance to finish like he’s used to," Bravo added. "We’ve tried adjusting the order, creating left-right combinations to counter spinners like Rashid Khan, but the execution has simply not been there."

Despite Rahane’s half-century, no other batter crossed 30. In-form youngster Angkrish Raghuvanshi, surprisingly held back until No. 9 as an impact player, struck a few impressive shots, but by then the contest was already out of KKR’s reach.

Bravo explained the decision, saying the batting order was shaped by the need to disrupt Gujarat’s spin attack with strategic left-right combinations. But he conceded that the real issue lay deeper.

"The players are preparing hard, they’re not skipping sessions. It’s not about effort. But confidence is low and when runs dry up, it becomes a vicious cycle."

Rahane remained hopeful that his side could still turn things around.

"This format is about being brave. You have to focus on scoring, not worry about getting out. We’re working hard. It’s just a matter of time."

With six games left and playoffs quickly slipping out of reach, KKR must now regroup swiftly—and most importantly, rediscover their batting mojo—if they are to mount any kind of turnaround.

Match Summary:
Gujarat Titans: 198/3
Kolkata Knight Riders: 159/8
Result: Gujarat Titans won by 39 runs
KKR's Record: 3 wins, 5 losses from 8 matches
Next Match: KKR vs Sunrisers Hyderabad – April 25, 2025