IPL 2025: Pujara Critiques KKR’s Communication and Bowling in Recent Loss
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Synopsis
Cheteshwar Pujara has criticized Kolkata Knight Riders' batting and bowling performance in their defeat against Gujarat Titans. He highlighted issues in planning, communication, and execution, questioning the team's approach and strategy as they struggled to chase down the target.
Key Takeaways
- Pujara critiques KKR’s batting strategy.
- Lack of communication from the dugout noted.
- Venkatesh Iyer’s performance questioned.
- Bowling execution criticized for conceding runs.
- KKR’s position in standings discussed.
New Delhi, April 22 (NationPress) Indian Test cricketer Cheteshwar Pujara has expressed his concerns regarding the Kolkata Knight Riders’ troubling batting strategy following their 39-run defeat against Gujarat Titans. He criticized not only Venkatesh Iyer’s lack of aggression but also the team’s overall planning and communication from the coaching staff.
Venkatesh was elevated to the No. 4 position to tackle Gujarat’s left-arm spinner Sai Kishore and leg-spinner Rashid Khan. Nevertheless, the left-handed batsman couldn’t deliver, scoring a mere 14 runs off 19 balls without any boundaries.
“I concur that Venkatesh didn’t fulfill his role adequately. But was he instructed to merely survive? Was the message from the coaching staff to just play defensively when Rashid was bowling?” Pujara remarked on ESPNcricinfo’s Time Out.
For Pujara, the issue transcended individual choices, pointing to a broader lack of tactical clarity. “Timeouts are implemented for a reason. When it becomes evident that strategies aren’t effective, the support team must step in and provide clear guidance. That aspect seems to have been overlooked.”
Pujara also criticized KKR’s bowling performance, which he feels allowed GT to score 198 runs on a pitch that wasn’t as conducive to high scoring as the total implied. “The pitch had sufficient turn. If you’re giving away over 60 runs in the last five overs on such a surface, then your execution is deficient. They should have limited them to around 180,” he stated.
At one point, KKR was at 68 for 2 after 10 overs, requiring 131 more runs at a rate of 13 runs per over. The absence of urgency and misinterpretation of the pitch proved costly—similar to their earlier match against Punjab Kings, where they failed to chase down 112 runs.
“It’s not merely about a batting collapse; it’s about failing to grasp what is required at that moment. They were falling short in all areas—strategy, clarity, and execution,” Pujara concluded.
Currently, KKR is positioned seventh in the standings and will next challenge Punjab Kings at Eden Gardens on April 26.
