The Kolkata Knight Riders are set to regroup in Bengaluru as the IPL 2025 recommences on 17 May, with a critical match against Royal Challengers Bangalore at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. This comes after a brief suspension of the league on 9 May due to border tensions between India and Pakistan, which were alleviated by a ceasefire on 10 May.
KKR’s key overseas players, including West Indians Sunil Narine and Andre Russell, alongside Rovman Powell and team mentor Dwayne Bravo, have remained in Dubai since the suspension. Rahmanullah Gurbaz, the team’s wicketkeeper-batsman, will join them in Dubai before they travel to India, while Anrich Nortje is expected to meet the squad directly in Bengaluru, arriving from the Maldives.
All-rounder Moeen Ali and fast bowler Spencer Johnson’s return from the UK and Australia respectively is still pending confirmation, though they are likely to join. There is, however, no clarity on Quinton de Kock’s availability as of now. Meanwhile, KKR’s domestic players and support staff will converge on Bengaluru in phases from Wednesday.
Reflecting on the current standings, KKR sits sixth on the points table with five wins and a single no-result from 12 games. The team’s qualification for the playoffs hinges on winning their remaining matches against RCB and Sunrisers Hyderabad on 25 May in Delhi, which would lift them to 15 points.
As the tournament reshapes, the IPL has outlined the remaining schedule; there are 13 league games still to be played at venues including Delhi, Jaipur, Lucknow, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, and Bengaluru. However, the playoff venues are yet to be disclosed. The playoffs commence on 29 May with the final set for 3 June.
As KKR looks to turn their season around, the collective return and performance of these key players will be critical. Tom Moody, Aakash Chopra, and Matt Roller have delved into KKR’s season challenges. “It’s been a rough patch; having our full squad back might just be the spark we need,” reflects Chopra.
Fans of the Kolkata Knight Riders and the IPL await the resumption with anticipation, hoping for thrilling interactions both on and off the field.
