IPL 2025: KKR¡¯s top-order fails again as Ajinkya Rahane falls trying a reverse sweep¡ªnetizens say ¡®Venky Iyer is not a no. 5 player¡¯

The Kolkata Knight Riders faced another batting setback as they lost both openers, Sunil Narine and Quinton de Kock, in early overs after Sunrisers Hyderabad chose to bowl first at Eden Gardens. Mohammed Shami removed Narine with a caught-behind dismissal, while KKR¡¯s former captain, Pat Cummins, got the better of de Kock. Despite a valiant counterattack by Angkrish Raghuvanshi, KKR¡¯s fragile batting lineup remains a major concern this season.

KKR¡¯s early stumble and Raghuvanshi¡¯s brilliance

KKR¡¯s top order has struggled since the start of IPL 2025, and their performance against SRH only deepened the concerns. Despite losing two early wickets, the young Angkrish Raghuvanshi played a fearless knock, reaching his half-century in just 30 balls. His aggressive batting, including a six and a reverse sweep for four in a single over, provided KKR with much-needed momentum. However, his innings was cut short when Abhishek Sharma took a fine catch.

Rahane, who walked in at No. 4, attempted to replicate Raghuvanshi¡¯s aggressive approach but mistimed a reverse sweep and handed an easy catch to Klaasen. Social media users were quick to highlight how Rahane¡¯s failed shot mirrored Raghuvanshi¡¯s earlier success, with one saying, ¡°Angkrish Raghuvanshi successfully played two reverse sweeps earlier in the over, so Ajinkya Rahane tried to do the same and got out.¡±

Angkrish Raghuvanshi successfully played two reverse sweeps earlier in the over so Ajinkya Rahane tried to do the same & got out. ?

¡ª Vipul ?? (@Vipul_Espeaks) April 3, 2025

Rahane¡¯s role under scrutiny

Rahane¡¯s inclusion in KKR¡¯s playing XI has sparked debates among cricket fans. With a batting order stacked with finishers like Rinku Singh, Andre Russell, Moeen Ali, and Ramandeep Singh, there is growing concern that KKR is failing to maximize their resources. One fan pointed out, ¡°You can't have both Rahane and Raghuvanshi in the XI unless there is a batting collapse. In that case, one of them should be the impact player.¡±

Are @KKRiders management retarded?

You can't have both Rahane and Raghuvanshi in the XI unless there is a batting collapse in which case one of them should be impact player

You can't have Iyer, Rinku, Russel, Moeen, Ramandeep for just 8 last overs

¡ª ???? ?????? (@KurmaPuri) April 3, 2025

Some fans believe KKR needs to rethink its strategy and shuffle the batting order. ¡°Should KKR shuffle their batting order? Seems like they are underutilizing Rahane¡¯s impact as a pace hitter,¡± questioned a user.

Should KKR shuffle their batting order? Seems like they are underutilizing Rahane's impact as a pace hitter

¡ª Dwaraka Vamshi (@DwarakaKrishna8) April 3, 2025

Another added, ¡°I feel the inclusion of Rahane has just messed up the batting order of KKR. Venky Iyer is not a number 5 player.¡±

I feel the inclusion of Rahane has just messed up the batting order of KKR. Venky Iyer is not a number 5 player. #KKRvsSRH

¡ª The Spectator (@sixthstumpedge) April 3, 2025

Can KKR fix its batting woes?

With just one win so far, KKR¡¯s performance is already under pressure. The top-order inconsistencies continue to haunt them, making every match a challenge. Rahane¡¯s dismissal and his role in the team remain talking points. As KKR moves forward in IPL 2025, do you think they need to change their batting lineup to avoid further setbacks.