In Kolkata Knight Riders’ recent victory against Rajasthan Royals, Ambati Rayudu highlighted areas needing improvement despite the team’s encouraging two-match winning streak in IPL 2025. “They really need to sort that middle order out,” Rayudu remarked, underscoring a key tactical concern.
Sunday’s match was an intriguing showcase of Andre Russell and Rinku Singh taking charge. Russell, often vocal about his desired batting position, finally got adequate time at the crease from the 13th over onwards. Meanwhile, Rinku displayed his characteristic aggression towards the end, contributing significantly with six crucial deliveries. Yet, Rayudu urged the team to reassess their strategies during the middle overs to remain competitive against top-performing sides. “To win the championship again, sharpening up that middle period is crucial,” Rayudu explained on ESPNcricinfo Time Out.
The team experimented with their batting order, moving Venkatesh Iyer and Ramandeep Singh down to optimise the use of Russell and Rinku. Whether this tactical adjustment will become a permanent fixture remains to be seen.
Russell’s bowling is another piece of the puzzle KKR need to solve. Although he has claimed eight wickets from 11 matches, his involvement with the ball has been inconsistent, having bowled merely 13.3 overs across just seven games. His current economy rate of 11.92 suggests a risk, but also the potential for breakthroughs. “Russell is a wicket-taker,” emphasised Rayudu, advocating for his strategic use despite the costs. Even when the opposition was 75 for 5, he questioned, “Why not bring in Russell to strike further blows?”
Katey Martin, joining Rayudu on the panel, agreed on harnessing Russell’s potential as a game-changer. “When you’re 75 for 5, think about that one more wicket to turn the tables,” she noted. Martin also observed Russell’s strategy against pace, pointing out how his approach reflects his plans to handle spin differently.
Despite areas for improvement, KKR’s ability to scrape through tense situations is commendable. They remain in playoff contention, relying on their knack for fighting back. The question remains: can KKR fine-tune their middle phase tactics and bolster their bowling plans to maintain their winning run?
