KKR’s Struggles in IPL 2025: ‘Thrill Factor Lacking’ in Gautam’s Absence
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) faced a challenging season in IPL 2025, struggling to replicate their previous success from 2024. After clinching the title last year under the mentorship of Gautam Gambhir, KKR entered this season without both their captain Shreyas Iyer and Gambhir himself. The absence of these key figures significantly impacted the team’s performance, leading to their failure to reach the playoffs. Harshit Rana, a pacer for KKR, reflected on the team’s change in dynamics and the missing ‘thrill factor’ that Gambhir’s presence had provided.
### KKR’s Transition in Leadership
The year 2025 marked a significant transition for KKR as they appointed Ajinkya Rahane as captain following his acquisition for ₹1.5 crore at the auction. Rahane, known for his extensive experience, was expected to lead the team to new heights similar to Iyer’s success in the previous season. However, the campaign did not unfold as anticipated. The team struggled to find their rhythm and faced a series of inconsistent performances, resulting in a disappointing season overall. Unlike the previous year, where KKR had a robust winning streak, this season lacked the momentum needed to build confidence and a winning spirit.
### The Impact of Gautam Gambhir’s Absence
The departure of Gautam Gambhir from KKR’s setup has been a topic of discussion among fans and analysts. Manvinder Bisla, a former KKR opener, emphasized the significance of Gambhir’s winning mentality. His return to the franchise last year rejuvenated the team, resulting in a championship victory. According to Bisla, Gambhir’s approach to backing players, regardless of their experience, played a crucial role in fostering a successful environment. He pointed out that Gambhir’s belief in players like Mitchell Starc, who had a slow start, allowed them to perform when it mattered most. This season, however, KKR struggled to find that same level of confidence and trust within the squad.
### KKR’s Performance in IPL 2025
In IPL 2025, KKR faced an uphill battle right from the start. The team’s initial matches revealed a lack of cohesion and consistency. They experienced mixed results, winning one match and losing another, which hindered their ability to establish a winning streak. As the season progressed, it became clear that the team was missing crucial elements that defined their previous success. The lack of a defining ‘winning moment’ or multiple back-to-back victories left the squad without the necessary belief to push through challenging matches. Bisla noted that the team’s intent during the middle overs was noticeably absent, which contributed to their struggles throughout the season.
### Looking Ahead for KKR
With the conclusion of IPL 2025, KKR will need to reassess their strategies moving forward. The team must identify the factors that contributed to their underwhelming performance this season. The leadership under Rahane will be under scrutiny as the franchise looks to reclaim its status as a competitive force in the league. Furthermore, the organization may need to reconsider its approach to player selection and development to ensure that they can build a strong foundation for future seasons. The lessons learned from this year could prove invaluable as KKR aims to revive the winning spirit that once defined their franchise.
Observer Voice is the one stop site for National, International news, Sports, Editor’s Choice, Art/culture contents, Quotes and much more. We also cover historical contents. Historical contents includes World History, Indian History, and what happened today. The website also covers Entertainment across the India and World.
Follow Us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, & LinkedIn
