Kolkata Knight Riders IPL 2025 Preview: Squad, Stats & Predicted XI – Sportstar

Subscribers Only Have you subscribed yet?
Buy Print
Published : Mar 21, 2025 11:15 IST – 2 MINS READ
Comments
Follow Us
SHARE
READ LATER
KKR has a new skipper in Ajinkya Rahane. | Photo Credit: PTI
Captain: Ajinkya Rahane
Coach: Chandrakant Pandit
Home Venue: Eden Gardens, Kolkata
Best Finishes: Champions (2012, 2014, 2024)
Last Season: Winner
PowerPlay Boundary Percentage
26.16 – In the last two IPL seasons, KKR’s PowerPlay boundary percentage has been a key factor. Its title-winning campaign was fuelled by explosive starts from Phil Salt and Sunil Narine. This season, Quinton de Kock replaces Salt, aiming to deliver the same attacking intent. Both de Kock and Narine have a habit of finding the boundary every four balls in the PowerPlay, boasting a strike rate of 152.64.
Middle-Over Spin Choke
7.36 – KKR has retained two match-winning spinners in Sunil Narine and Varun Chakaravarthy, further strengthening the department by adding Moeen Ali. The trio aims to apply a spin choke in the middle overs on conducive surfaces. Collectively, they have picked up 55 wickets in 43 innings during this phase.
Death-Over Concerns
11.18 – KKR has struggled in the last four overs over the past two seasons, lacking a reliable death bowler. Harshit Rana, Andre Russell, and Anrich Nortje have been expensive, conceding 88 boundaries in 34 matches. However, they have also been regular wicket-takers, striking every 14 balls at an average of 25.80 at the death.
Top Order
1. Quinton de Kock
2. Sunil Narine
3. Angkrish Raghuvanshi
Middle Order & All-Rounders
4. Ajinkya Rahane
5. Venkatesh Iyer
6. Rinku Singh
7. Andre Russell
8. Ramandeep Singh
Bowlers
9. Harshit Rana
10. Varun Chakravarthy
11. Anrich Nortje
Impact Player: Mayank Markande / Vaibhav Arora
KKR will rely on its PowerPlay aggression, spin control in the middle overs, and experienced finishers to defend its title. Can it go back-to-back and add a fourth IPL trophy to its cabinet?
Comments

IPL 2025
BACK TO TOP
Terms & conditions  |  Institutional Subscriber
Comments have to be in English, and in full sentences. They cannot be abusive or personal. Please abide to our community guidelines for posting your comment

source