When your most consistent batter walks in at No. 9, something’s clearly broken at the top.
KKR’s batting problems aren’t new—but they’re definitely getting harder to ignore. Across eight matches this season, not one of their opening combinations has managed to settle in or dominate. Monday’s latest shuffle—Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Sunil Narine—lasted just five balls. It’s no surprise then that Kolkata holds the worst average for opening partnerships this season: just 19.00. Even team veteran Ajinkya Rahane acknowledged that the top order remains their Achilles' heel.
While Rahane offered a glimmer of hope with a composed 50 off 36 balls, the rest of the batting lineup crumbled. But what really raised eyebrows was the decision to send Angkrish Raghuvanshi—one of KKR’s brightest young stars—down at No. 9. Coming in as an Impact Player, Raghuvanshi managed to land a few punches, but the match was already out of reach.
So why was KKR’s most in-form batter pushed so far down the order? Mentor Dwayne Bravo stepped in to explain the logic behind the call.
"You know, we try to create that left-right combination. I think we are one of those teams that are blessed to have quality left-handers and right-handers in our top order. And so you try to use that to the best of your ability, especially when you have an opposition (that) have quality spinners left-handers with off spin and leg spin. So you try and use that left-right combination for as much as possible. And so yeah, unfortunately 'Angi' (Angkrish Raghuvanshi) has to keep sliding down the order. But we wouldn't start the game with Angi batting number 9. He's one of our better players. You know, he's been doing very well for us throughout the season. But also, when they're chasing 200, you try to maximise as much as possible and try to get the guys who have the ability to really hit the ball in the middle. Again, our batter's, low in confidence, and normally confidence runs bring confidence, form brings confidence. And we are the moment, to be honest, don't have that confidence at the moment. But the guys are preparing well and practising well. They are not sitting back and missing practice. So as coaches, as a group, we cannot fault the effort. They're just not working out in the middle. But I have to just keep backing the team and supporting the guys."
Bravo’s words reflect a locker room trying to stay grounded despite mounting pressure. For KKR, talent clearly isn’t the issue—it’s timing, confidence, and cohesion. Whether those pieces fall into place before the playoffs? That’s still up in the air.
