The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) performed poorly at the top-order in IPL 2022 and IPL 2023. KKR openers were the only partnership below 20 with fewer than 7.5 runs per over for an initial wicket within the same period. KKR has always seemed out of sorts when it comes to openers. The side has used over a dozen (14) opening combinations in 28 games, way more than the next team with more top order tweaks.
KKR’s opening struggles seem to have returned after their title-winning 2024 season. Openers have only managed 46 runs in 3 innings so far, with some horrendous performances coming from unexpected quarters. For example, big-hitting opener Sunil Narine was left red-faced after departing in a high-stakes first over vs the Mumbai Indians.
Shocking performances of this nature brings fans and analysts to the question – are the KKR’s opening woes returning?
Are the KKR Openers Struggling?
KKR opening combinations were in fine form throughout 2024 as four batters combined to make 300+ runs and march towards the IPL title. Sunil Narine and Phil Salt set the tone with their opening pairing to make all their plans easier to achieve in that title-winning campaign.
However, their approach to 2025 has not been as exciting, with powerplay (overs 1 to 6) scores falling short of expectations in recent games. KKR’s powerplay scores of 60 for 1, 40/0 and 41 for 4 in their first three games has not been their best opening start in recent seasons.
Only the CSK has a lower scoring rate (7.44) than KKR’s 7.83 within the same period. Their form continues to dwindle, and failing to revamp the opening stand could see KKR’s title charge end before it even begins.
Will Sunil Narine’s False Shot Tally Affect KKR’s 2025 Title Chances?
Sunil Narine fired on all cylinders at IPL 2024 to earn his place in the national team. However, leaving India’s shores seemed to trigger a significant wane in his hitting prowess. Narine averaged just over 8 in 25 innings with a 38 highest score across four (4) different tournaments until IPL 2025.
| Player | Runs | SR | Inns | False Shot (%) | False shot/dismissal |
| Sunil Narine | 488 | 180.7 | 14 | 29.7 | 20.5 |
| Rohit Sharma | 417 | 150 | 14 | 27.9 | 8.0 |
| Phil Salt | 435 | 182 | 12 | 26.0 | 11.2 |
| Rachin Ravindra | 222 | 160.8 | 10 | 24.6 | 10.0 |
| Jim Bairstow | 298 | 152.8 | 11 | 24.3 | 9.2 |
Narine’s struggles seemed to transcend into the new IPL season considering his current poor run of form. His patchy run of form is best viewed from the IPL 2023 to mid-2024. Narine scored 322 runs in 40 innings from IPL 2023 to March 2024. He managed a 131.4 strike rate (10.06 average) throughout this period.
Blazing form in IPL 2024
IPL 2024 saw Narine’s powers go into overdrive with the batter smashing home 488 runs in 14 innings to lead KKR to their third-ever IPL title in 17 seasons. His strike rate (180.7) and average (34.8) signalled Narine’s hitting abilities in high-stakes situations. However, Narine has not been able to keep up this sizzling-hot form since June 2024.
Poor form post-IPL 2024
Sunil scored 175 runs in 25 innings with a 123.2 strike rate and 8.3 average. The spell is also Narine’s longest without a half-century or century since IPL 2023.
KKR Defeat to RCB Compounds Current Opening Woes
The KKR side went down in defeat against a Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) team many fans expected them to beat. KKR has a bowling unit with several spin specialists; however, issues with the pitch’s wicket area seemed to leave them with little chances as RCB coasted to a win in the Eden Gardens.
KKR skipper calls for more spin in the wicket
Current KKR skipper Ajinkya Rahane did not claim their defeat was caused by the pitch condition around the wicket. However, he said the “wicket was under covers and played differently” during an interview immediately after this defeat. He called for more spin prowess and said his side “would love to see some spin in this wicket”.
Pitch curator responds rudely to KKR skipper’s request
The pitch curator of Eden Gardens, Sujan Mukherjee, did not take Rahane’s suggestion well. Reports claim the curator said no one will dictate to him how he should prepare the wicket. His comments have not gone down well with fans and analysts who faulted his unnecessary and rude response to the KKR captain’s demands.
Harsha Bhogle supports Rahane’s call
Popular cricket commentator Harsha Bhogle seemed to back Ajinkya’s calls for better pitch preparation. He also claims the curator’s response could irk KKR’s camp this season:
“If they are playing at home, they should get the tracks that they think are suited for their bowlers,” Bhogle said.
