IPL 2025: 5 Flop signings of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)

The defending champions, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), are almost out of the playoff race in IPL 2025. They are currently placed sixth on the points table with 11 points from 12 games and a net run rate of +0.193. While their playoff chances are still mathematically alive, they now depend heavily on the outcomes of other matches.

When the season began, there were high expectations from KKR, even though they had let go of some of their top performers from last season. However, their inconsistent performances in the campaign to defend their title have been disappointing for fans. Several key players who were expected to deliver consistently have failed miserably so far this season. 

Here are the five flop signings of KKR in IPL 2025:

Venkatesh Iyer

KKR made headlines at the auction by spending a staggering ₹23.75 crore to re-sign Venkatesh Iyer, making him one of the highest-paid players in IPL history. This decision raised expectations, especially since the franchise had chosen not to retain him after the previous season, only to bring him back at a premium price.

However, in seven innings, he has scored only 142 runs, averaging 20.28 with a strike rate of 139.21. His only notable performance came in a 60-run knock at Eden Gardens against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), which helped KKR secure a win. But apart from that, lack of consistency has been a major concern.

Despite being named vice-captain, Iyer’s role has diminished in recent matches. He was even subbed out in a few games, and most recently, he missed the last match due to injury.

Quinton de Kock

After choosing not to retain their star English opener Phil Salt from last season, KKR turned to South African veteran Quinton de Kock for this season. De Kock was brought in to open the innings alongside Sunil Narine, with expectations high due to his experience and proven track record at the top.

While he started the season as the first-choice opener, de Kock’s inconsistency with the bat soon became a concern. In seven innings, he managed just 143 runs at an average of 23.83 and a strike rate of 137.50. His only major contribution came in the form of a brilliant unbeaten 97-run match-winning knock against the Rajasthan Royals (RR). 

As a result of his erratic form, de Kock was dropped from the playing XI in recent matches, with Rahmanullah Gurbaz taking his place at the top of the order. 

Vaibhav Arora

Young Indian pacer Vaibhav Arora has had a mixed campaign for KKR. While his tally of 16 wickets in 11 matches is impressive on paper, his performances in pressure situations have often left fans and the team management frustrated.

Arora has leaked runs at an economy rate of 10.15, which has proved costly in several key moments. A glaring example came in the recent clash against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at Eden Gardens, where Dewald Brevis took him apart for 30 runs in a single over. That over completely shifted the momentum in CSK’s favour, ultimately costing KKR the match.

Spencer Johnson

Given an opportunity in four matches by teh KKR, Johnson has struggled to find rhythm and consistency with the ball. Despite being preferred over the more experienced Anrich Nortje, the left-arm Aussie pacer has managed to pick up just one wicket, while conceding runs at a worrying economy rate of 11.73. 

Rovman Powell

When KKR acquired Rovman Powell at the auction, many fans saw him as a potential like-for-like replacement for their veteran match-winner Andre Russell, especially with Russell's fitness and form under constant scrutiny. However, the West Indies all-rounder has been given limited opportunities, featuring in just two matches so far, and has struggled to make a significant impact in either outing.

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