Former champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) will aim to keep their playoff hopes alive by securing a victory when they face Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League (IPL) match here on Sunday. KKR has four matches left in the league stage, and their equation for the playoffs is straightforward: win all four matches to reach 17 points. This would ensure they avoid any last-minute hurdles to secure a top-four spot. While this target seems simple on paper, it is quite challenging in reality.
KKR will play two of these four matches at their home ground. After facing Rajasthan Royals on Sunday, they will take on Chennai Super Kings at home on Wednesday. Additionally, they will face Sunrisers Hyderabad on May 10 and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) on May 17, both away matches. Sunrisers Hyderabad have lost their momentum, but RCB is in excellent form, making KKR’s final match potentially thrilling. However, that’s a matter for later, and KKR needs to focus on their two upcoming home matches for now.
Both Rajasthan Royals and Chennai Super Kings are almost out of the playoff race, meaning they will take the field without much pressure. Dealing with such teams will not be easy for KKR.
KKR’s major concern is their poor performance at their home ground. Eden Gardens, once their fortress, has seen them win only one out of five matches this season, with their previous game against Punjab Kings abandoned due to rain, resulting in both teams sharing a point. KKR’s spinners have struggled to adapt to the high bounce at the venue, while their batsmen have also failed to live up to expectations. The team’s batting has lacked the aggression that powered them to the title last year.
Last season’s standout finisher, Rinku Singh, has managed only 169 runs in eight innings, while opener Quinton de Kock has scored 143 runs in seven innings at a strike rate of 137.50. His performances have lacked consistency, but the biggest disappointment for KKR has been Venkatesh Iyer, who was bought by the franchise for ₹23.75 crore and named vice-captain. Venkatesh has scored just 142 runs in 10 matches. Captain Ajinkya Rahane has been KKR’s most reliable batsman this season, but he is currently battling a hand injury sustained during fielding.
Rajasthan Royals have also had a disappointing campaign so far. The team has won only one of their last seven matches, exposing flaws in their auction strategy. The IPL’s new sensation, 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi, grabbed attention with a century off 35 balls, but expecting such performances consistently from him is unrealistic.
