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3 KKR And GT Stars Who Are On The Verge Of Getting Dropped For Poor Returns In IPL 2025

Debashis Sarangi

Rashid Khan has massively underperformed [Source: AP]Rashid Khan has massively underperformed [Source: AP]

This evening, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) will take on Gujarat Titans (GT) in a high-profile IPL 2025 clash. The much-anticipated encounter will be played at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata. 

Both teams have star-studded lineups, which is why we expect an epic showdown tonight. However, there are some players who must perform in this game to retain their places in the XI, as mentioned below. 

1. Rashid Khan - GT

Criterion
Data
Innings19
Wickets14
Average44.28
Strike Rate29.85
Economy8.89

(Rashid Khan's stats since IPL 2024)

  • Legendary Afghanistan spinner Rashid Khan has been far from his best in the IPL this season. Renowned for his extraordinary bowling skills, Rashid has let down the Titans with a prolonged lean patch. 
  • The seasoned campaigner has managed only four wickets across seven matches in the IPL 2025. His ineffectiveness in the middle overs has emerged as a massive concern for the Titans. 
  • More importantly, Rashid has failed to control the flow of runs, as evidenced by his economy rate of 9.73. So, considering his persistent struggles with the ball, the Titans might drop him if Rashid doesn't turn things around in the next couple of games. 

2. Andre Russell - KKR

Criterion
Data
Innings5
Runs34
Avg/SR6.80/109.68
Wickets5
Economy13.54

(Russell's numbers in IPL 2025)

  • Swashbuckling West Indies all-rounder Andre Russell has been a pale shadow of himself in the IPL 2025. 
  • Russell's worrisome batting form has frustrated KKR in the tournament, as he has scored only 34 runs in five innings, averaging just 6.80 and striking at an abysmal rate of 109.68. 
  • His fitness concerns have prevented Ajinkya Rahane to use his death-bowling expertise. In such a scenario, KKR seem quite puzzled regarding Russell's role in the team. 
  • Thus, if the West Indies all-rounder doesn't bring his A-game to the table, the Knight Riders might take an unfamiliar decision of dropping him from the XI. 

3. Quinton de Kock - KKR

Criterion
Data
Innings7
Runs143
Average23.83
Strike Rate137.50

(Quinton de Kock's IPL 2025 stats)

  • KKR's premier opener Quinton de Kock has blown hot and cold in the IPL 2025. Barring a stunning 97-run knock against RR, the South African keeper-batter hasn't done anything significant in the tournament. 
  • De Kock has recorded four single-digit scores while failing to breach the 25-run mark twice in seven outings. 
  • Thus, the clock is ticking for De Kock and with Rahmanullah Gurbaz warming the bench, it won't be surprising if KKR consider replacing the former with the latter in the upcoming matches.