Are Kolkata Knight Riders staring at their worst IPL season yet?

The 19th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) has been far from what Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and their fans had envisioned. For a franchise that has lifted the trophy three times, languishing at the bottom of the points table is bound to sting.

Five matches in, KKR have suffered four defeats and endured one no‑result, a game that could well have ended in another loss if not for the steady drizzle at Eden Gardens against Punjab Kings on April 6.

Batting order in disarray

KKR are yet to settle on a stable batting order. Skipper Ajinkya Rahane opened in the first four games, but against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on April 14 at Chepauk, the management experimented by sending Sunil Narine to partner Finn Allen. The duo managed just 13 runs before Allen fell to Anshul Kamboj, and Narine followed soon after with a 17‑ball 24. 

This shuffle created a ripple effect, pushing their INR 25‑crore signing Cameron Green as low as No. 6, a move that underlined the lack of role clarity in the batting unit.

Cameron Green feels the burden of the price tag

Green, their marquee buy, has struggled to make an impact this season. The hefty price tag appears to be weighing him down, with inconsistent returns both with bat and ball. The management may rue investing so heavily in him, as the same amount could have secured two specialists of contrasting disciplines.

Varun Chakravarthy’s dip in form

Adding to the woes, star mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy has failed to rediscover his rhythm since the Super Eight stage of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. His lack of penetration has compounded KKR’s headaches.

Misfortune strikes the bowling unit

KKR can argue that misfortune has played its part too. They were forced to release overseas pacer Mustafizur Rahman following the BCCI’s directive. Injuries further depleted their attack, Harshit Rana underwent knee surgery, while Matheesha Pathirana picked up a calf strain during the T20 World Cup in February.

Are we looking at KKR's worst IPL season?

While the present looks grim, KKR still have time to turn things around. Their worst campaign remains the 2009 season, when under Brendon McCullum’s captaincy, they won just three of 14 matches, lost 10, and had one no‑result. They finished with seven points and a net run rate of ‑0.789, claiming the wooden spoon. 

IPL 2025 wasn’t much better. Entering as defending champions, KKR managed only five wins in 14 games, with seven losses and two no‑results, finishing eighth above Rajasthan Royals and CSK.

Kolkata Knight Riders IPL Performance (2008–2025)