What went wrong for KKR against LSG? Ajinkya Rahane's 3 mistakes that were expensive for Kolkata Knight Riders | Mint

KKR was 239 runs to win, and was at one point 162/3 in 13 overs before the defending champions had a middle-order collapse to lose intrigue. Although Rinku Singh tried his best at the end, but that was not enough. Kolkata Knight Riders captain Ajinkya Rahane plays a shot during the match against Lucknow Super Giants in the Indian Premier League 2025, in Eden Gardens in Kolkata. (Ani) Captain Ajinkya Rahane’s power put 61 off 35 balls and Rinku Singh’s 15-ball-on-one 38 in the Lucknow Supergi’s. (LSG) held their nerve to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) with four runs in a high-score IPL 2025 competition in the Eden Gardens Tuesday. KKR was 239 runs to win, and was at one point 162/3 in 13 overs before the defending champions had a middle-order collapse to lose intrigue. Although Rinku Singh tried his best at the end, but that was not enough. It was the third win of LSG of the season, while KKR suffered their third loss in five games. But what went wrong for KKR in the game? Let’s look at the mistakes by Ajinkya Rahane against LSG. To drop Moeen Ali for Spencer Johnson, one of the biggest mistakes that everyone’s eye caught was to drop Moeen Ali to accommodate Australian Pacer Johnson, the left arm. When the game was a day relationship, Ajinkya Rahane might have thought of the swing that a quick bowler would produce, but his plans fell back when Spencer Johnson conceded 46 runs in his three overs. Moeen Ali impressed Rajasthan Royals and could also add an extra batter in the middle order for Ajinkya Rahane. The Englishman could also upset the left hands such as Nicholas Pooran, Rishabh Pant, David Miller with his right arm finger-turn. Why was Andre Russell brought to 16th place? One of the main reasons for KKR’s title-winning captain last year was Andre Russell’s 19 wickets out of 15 games. KKR did not use Andre Russell the bowler in the first two games. From the third game, the West Indian took five wickets in three games. In fact, against LSG, Ajinkya Rahane Andre Russell brought as late as 16th. The right arm medium Pacer rejected Mitchell Marsh on his second ball. If he had been brought to PowerPlay or at the middle of the stage earlier, the scenario could have been different. Rinku Singh on No.8? Wise call? At162/3 in 13 overs, KKR was in full control of the game. Ramandeep Singh just came in to stay for two balls and just score a run. After that, KKR, like Venkatesh Iyer, Angkrish Raghuvanshi and Andre Russell, lost to lose the plot. Rinku Singh came to No.8 in the bat and tried his best with an unbeaten 15-ball 38, but KKR lacked with just four runs. If Rinku Singh was sent on No.5, things could have been better for the defending champions. After all, it is just a border that made the difference between the teams. Stay up to date with all the actions from the IPL 2025. Look at the IPL 2025 schedule, follow the latest IPL 2025 points table and follow the top performers with the orange cap and purple cap. First published: 8 Apr 2025, 22:31 IST