IPL 2025: Ajinkya Rahane’s KKR and Rishabh Pant’s LSG have had a mixed season so far. What can they do to turn things around?
The 18th edition of Indian Premier League (IPL) has been a mixed ride for both Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), with both teams showing flashes of brilliance alongside moments of inconsistency. As of mid-April 2025, KKR have registered three wins and same number of losses in the six matches that they have played so far. Likewise, LSG have outperformed in four matches while they could not finish on the winning line in the other three matches out of the seven matches that they have played so far.
A season of highs and lows for KKR
KKR started their IPL 2025 campaign with some early setbacks, losing matches against strong opponents like Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Mumbai Indians. However, the team showed resilience by bouncing back with a commanding 80-run victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad, signalling a resurgence in their middle order. Key to this revival was the performance of their costliest buy, Venkatesh Iyer, who scored a blistering 60 off just 29 balls at Eden Gardens, with a strike rate of 206. He was ably supported by Ajinkya Rahane and Rinku Singh, who provided crucial contributions to stabilise the innings.
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KKR’s performance in IPL 2025 till now:
| Opponent | Match Result |
| Royal Challengers Bengaluru | RCB won by 7 wickets |
| Rajasthan Royals | KKR won by 8 wickets |
| Mumbai Indians | MI won by 8 wickets |
| Sunrisers Hyderabad | KKR won by 80 runs |
| Lucknow Super Giants | LSG won by 4 runs |
| Chennai Super Kings | KKR won by 8 wickets |
Despite these positives, KKR’s campaign has been marred by inconsistency, particularly in their middle order, which has occasionally collapsed under pressure. Their bowling attack has had mixed success, with some bowlers like Varun Chakravarthy and Sunil Narine contributing both with the ball and bat, but others struggling to contain opposition batters effectively.
Read More: IPL 2025: KKR inconsistent batting may hurt their campaign. What’s ailing the eastern franchise?
LSG lack consistency
LSG’s journey in IPL 2025 has also been a rollercoaster. The team has been powered by explosive batting performances, notably from Nicholas Pooran, who played a match-winning unbeaten 87 off 36 balls against KKR at Eden Gardens. Alongside Pooran, Mitchell Marsh contributed a vital 81 off 48 balls, and Aiden Markram added a steady 47, helping LSG post a formidable total of 238/3, their second highest in IPL history.
LSG’s bowling has been effective in crucial moments, especially in tight finishes. In the same high-scoring match against KKR, their bowlers held their nerve to defend the massive total, ultimately winning by a narrow margin of 4 runs.
Read More: Rishabh Pant has underwhelmed as batter, but impressed as captain with smart bowling changes
LSG’s performance in IPL 2025 till now:
| Opponent | Match Result |
| Delhi Capitals | DC won by 1 wicket |
| Sunrisers Hyderabad | LSG win by 5 wickets |
| Punjab Kings | Punjab won by 8 wickets |
| Mumbai Indians | LSG won by 12 runs |
| Kolkata Knight Riders | LSG won by 4 runs |
| Gujarat Titans | LSG won by 6 wickets |
| Chennai Super Kings | CSK won by 5 wickets |
Both Kolkata Knight Riders and Lucknow Super Giants have experienced a season of highs and lows in IPL 2025. KKR’s campaign has been characterised by strong individual performances but also occasional middle-order collapses and inconsistent bowling. LSG, meanwhile, have impressed with explosive batting and clutch bowling performances but have also faced challenges in maintaining consistency.
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