Why Is KKR Struggling In IPL 2022?
The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) began their IPL 2022 campaign on a high note, winning three of their first four matches under new captain Shreyas Iyer. Unfortunately, their season was wrecked after that, as they lost four consecutive matches. To know why Is KKR Struggling In IPL 2022, read below.
The KKR captain and management’s lack of faith in their selected players are exemplified by this. When players aren’t given enough matches or if they get dropped after a few failures, it creates uncertainty in the minds of others. It comes as a surprise from head coach Brendon McCullum, who has previously stated that he will support a player to the fullest. So far this season, KKR has made a total of 13 changes to their playing XI, the most of any side.
Hold the pose, @AaronFinch5 📸 #KKRHaiTaiyaar #IPL2022 pic.twitter.com/bGQlCCIWov
— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) May 1, 2022
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Why is KKR Struggling in IPL 2022?
There are lots of reasons for the poor performance of the Knight Riders. Below are some of the major reasons.
Different opening batsmen
In the nine matches so far, KKR has used five different batsmen to open the innings. Their standout batsman from the previous season Venkatesh Iyer has been a big cause for their slow start. He has a low average of 16 with a strike rate of 97. Aaron Finch added some oomph to the top of the order with a fifty, but his flaws against the moving ball were exposed for everyone to see. Short balls have been used to target Sunil Narine, Sam Billings and Ajinkya Rahane.
𝗦 for Shreyas. 𝗜 for Intent. 💜@ShreyasIyer15 #KKRHaiTaiyaar #IPL2022 pic.twitter.com/yjEDYIxO70
— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) April 30, 2022
Do Read Can Gujarat Titans win the IPL 2022?
Change in the batting order
KKR’s batting order has also been changing on a pretty regular basis. They are using batsmen according to situations that don’t work every time. Andre Russell, who can only accomplish so much as an individual player, has been put under a lot of pressure and high expectations.
First batter with 50+ scores at all the top 6 batting positions for any #IPL team! 🙌
A team player, @NitishRana_27 💜#KKRHaiTaiyaar #IPL2022 pic.twitter.com/o8fgzozFOR
— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) April 30, 2022
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Poor auction by KKR
To not retain Shubman Gill was a big and scrutinized decision for KKR, as KKR opted to retain Varun Chakravarthy and Venkatesh Iyer after Andre Russell and Sunil Narine; Gill once touted to become the future of KKR, is having a good time opening for Gujarat while KKR struggles to get a decent opening pair.
The squad selection at the mega-auction was also terrible. They do not possess an experienced world-class wicket-keeper. Sam Billings and Sheldon Jackson have not made their marks with the bat.
Varun Chakravarthy, who had two successful years in the UAE is having a decent season for KKR while there is no backup available for him. Pat Cummins, Southee, Umesh, and Shivam Mavi are all struggling badly in the death over and the team is once again relying on Russell to finish off the job.
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