How Important Is It for KKR to Take It One Game at a Time in IPL 2025 Playoff Race?

New Delhi, May 2 (NationPress) The competition for the IPL 2025 playoffs has narrowed to just eight teams vying for four coveted spots. With the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) now out of contention, the spotlight turns to the defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), who must elevate their performance in each match to secure a playoff position and defend their title.

KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane acknowledged that their primary goal is to qualify for the playoffs, beginning with crucial home matches against RR and CSK. Currently standing at nine points, KKR has managed only one home victory this season, making the upcoming clashes imperative.

“The next two matches we have at home are against RR and CSK. It’s crucial for us to focus on one game at a time. Even though RR and CSK are out, they remain formidable opponents. When teams are eliminated, they play without pressure and come with a different spirit,” Rahane said during an interview with IANS on the Star Sports Press Room show, discussing the playoff race on Friday.

Kolkata’s recent 14-run victory over the Delhi Capitals (DC) at Arun Jaitley Stadium has kept KKR’s playoff hopes alive. In that match, veteran spinner Sunil Narine played a pivotal role, contributing significantly in various aspects of the game.

Narine scored a brisk 27 runs, executed a run-out of KL Rahul, and took 3 wickets for 29 runs, including two in a critical 14th over. He also made a key catch of Ashutosh Sharma and temporarily captained KKR when Rahane left due to a hand injury. Aside from his tenure with KKR in 2021 and the current season, Rahane had often strategized against Narine as an opponent.

Now, as Narine's captain, Rahane shared insights on what makes Narine such a vital asset for KKR: “Regarding Sunil Narine, he has been exceptional for us and for this franchise. I’m witnessing his dedication for the first time. Back in 2021 (as a KKR player), I noticed his hard work on his game.”

“He consistently arrives early for practice, bowls for an hour, bats, and then bowls again. His commitment, attitude, and experience are invaluable. He remains calm, composed, and is an astute thinker of the game.”

“Having him as a teammate is wonderful. I can approach him anytime during tough situations, and he consistently delivers. Additionally, Varun Chakravarthy has also been performing well for us,” Rahane concluded.

Tune in for the thrilling clash between Kolkata Knight Riders and Rajasthan Royals in the IPL 2025 playoff race at 7:30 PM on May 4, streaming live and exclusively on JioHotstar and the Star Sports Network.