IPL 2025: Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) is the third most successful team in the Indian Premier League (IPL). They have won the franchise T20 tournament title three times in the last seventeen seasons. They have given a bunch of young Turks a chance to debut on the big stage during their long journey. They have developed them into match winners. The cricketing public sometimes criticizes the Knights' team management's sloppy selection of players. But along with their success, there is no way to avoid admitting that they sometimes make mistakes in identifying their stars. In the past, they have suffered the consequences of releasing T20 superstars like Chris Gayle and Brendon McCullum. They have played for Royal Challengers Bangalore or Chennai Super Kings. This tradition is continuing in recent times as well. The decision to 'release' at least three Indian players has come back as a boomerang.
Suryakumar Yadav-
Suryakumar Yadav, the best T20 batsman of the current generation, first came to prominence in the jersey of Kolkata Knight Riders. He made his debut in the franchise T20 League for Mumbai Indians in 2012. He could not make a mark then. Then he played IPL for the Knights from 2014 to 2017. After that, Kolkata could not trust him anymore. Before the 2018 IPL, KKR officials made a swap deal with Mumbai Indians. Suryakumar moved to the commercial city, and in exchange, Nitish Rana joined the 'City of Joy' franchise. It became clear in the next few years that this decision was not at all right. Suryakumar scored 512 runs in the first season after returning to Mumbai. After that, he did not have to look back. He has become 'Mr. 360 Degrees' by touching the peak of success one after another.
Shubman Gill-
The second name on the list could be Shubman Gill. The young Turk from Punjab became known in the cricket world after winning the 2018 Under-19 World Cup. He was signed by Kolkata that year. Shubman also adapted well to the opening slot. He was in the Knights camp (KKR) until 2021. His statistics have improved every year. But even then, the Knight Riders management lost faith in Shubman. In 2022, the new team Gujarat Titans (GT) snatched him away. The young opener is playing fast cricket for the Ahmedabad franchise. In the last three seasons, he has scored 483, 890 and 426 runs respectively. The void created in the Kolkata squad after Shubman's departure has not been filled yet, according to several experts.
Shreyas Iyer-
The latest addition to this list is Shreyas Iyer. He left Delhi Capitals to join Kolkata Knight Riders in 2022. The franchise also handed over the captaincy to the Mumbai star. In the first season, he scored 401 runs at an average of 30.84 and a strike rate of 134.56. Shreyas could not play in 2023 due to a back injury. He made a storm when he returned in 2024. Kolkata (KKR) got the taste of the IPL trophy after a decade under his leadership. The young cricketer was also impeccable with the bat. He scored 351 runs in 15 matches at an average of 39 and a strike rate of 146.86. He became one of the most reliable players in the middle order.
Fans were hoping that Shreyas Iyer and the Knight Riders (KKR) would have a long-term partnership. But that didn't happen in reality. Venkya Mysore released him before the 2025 season due to financial issues. Kolkata didn't show much interest in bringing him back to the team even in the mega auction. He joined Punjab Kings (PBKS) for Rs 26.75 crore. How wrong the Knights' decision was proved in the first match of the season. While Kolkata lost to Royal Challengers at home, Shreyas Iyer won the away match against Punjab. He also scored an incredible 97* run innings.
IPL 2025, RR vs KKR: Rajasthan's batting lineup collapsed in night bowling, first innings ended at 151 runs!!
IPL 2025: Rajasthan Royals and Kolkata Knight Riders faced each other in another high-voltage match of IPL today in Guwahati. After winning the toss, Ajinkya Rahane decided to bowl first. Today, the Knights took the field without star all-rounder Sunil Narine. Even though this experienced spinner was not in the team, star cricketers like Spencer Johnson, Vaibhav Arora and Moeen Ali put pressure on the opponents from the very beginning. As a result, Dhruv Jurel came out to bat and fought, but Rajasthan's first innings ended at 151 runs.
Rajasthan's batting collapses in night bowling-
Today, Sanju Samson and Yashasvi Jaiswal came to open for Rajasthan Royals in the first innings. Although both of them tried to start strongly, Spencer Johnson and Vaibhav Arora tried to create opportunities from the very beginning. As a result, Vaibhav Arora took the important wicket of Sanju Samson by blowing the leg stump directly in 3.5 overs. This star batsman left the field after making 13 runs in just 11 balls. Then Yashasvi Jaiswal was caught by Moeen Ali's spin bowling. He gave Harshit Rana an easy catch. Yashasvi's bat came with 25 runs in 15 balls. Then, young captain Riyan Parag, coming out to bat at home, started an explosive batting. However, the night bowlers did not let him go far either. Experienced spinner Varun Chakraborty sent Riyan out of the field after making 25 runs in just 15 balls.
Dhruv Jurel, the source of hope-
Rajasthan lost 5 wickets for 82 runs to the Knights' bowling attack. Former KKR member Nitish Rana could not make an impact with the bat either. Moeen Ali, who was on fire with the ball, immediately blew his wicket. Nitish made 8 runs off just 9 balls and walked to the dressing room. Sri Lankan star all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga was dismissed for 4 runs off Varun Chakravarthy's ball, disappointing the fans. In such a situation, Dhruv Jurel, who came to bat at number 6 for Rajasthan, fought from one side. He raised hopes by scoring 33 runs off 28 balls. But Harshit Rana seized the opportunity and took this important wicket. After that, no one else could raise his head against the Knights with the bat. Shimron Hetmyer scored 7 runs from the bat and Jofra Archer scored only 16 runs. As a result, Rajasthan Royals' first innings ended at 151 runs. Vaibhav Arora, Varun Chakraborty, Moin Ali and Harshit Rana took two wickets each for Kolkata