By Robert 
Following Kolkata Knight Riders’ 40-run defeat to Gujarat Titans at Eden Gardens, KKR mentor Dwayne Bravo admitted that the team’s batters are going through a slump in form and confidence.
Chasing a target of 199, KKR could only manage 159 for 8, with Bravo praising the bowlers for their effort but expressing disappointment in the batting unit.
“The bowlers did a fantastic job to pull it back and restrict them under 200,” Bravo said. “At the halfway mark, we were the happier team. But unfortunately, we didn’t capitalize with the bat.”
Powerplay Woes and Middle-Over Stumble
KKR’s top order faltered early, losing both openers and scoring just 45 runs in the powerplay. Unlike Gujarat, who accelerated later in the innings, KKR’s middle overs stalled. Between overs 7 and 10, they added only 23 runs as Ajinkya Rahane and Venkatesh Iyer struggled to find fluency. Both were dismissed in the 13th over, leaving KKR reeling at 91 for 4.
Despite having hitters like Rinku Singh, Andre Russell, Moeen Ali, and Ramandeep Singh in the lower order, the chase never truly gained traction. Russell showed glimpses of power with a 15-ball 21 — his highest score this season — before falling once again to Rashid Khan, continuing a trend of dismissals to legspinners.
Bravo Defends Russell, Calls for Batting Improvements
Bravo threw his support behind the under-fire Russell, dismissing concerns over his vulnerability to legspin.
“Russell is a proven match-winner. It’s not just him — the entire batting group is underperforming. We’re working on keeping the players mentally focused and confident,” Bravo explained.
He stressed that KKR’s top order needs to set a platform for the finishers to do their job.
“Russell is walking in with 14–15 runs required per over — that’s too much. We need to bat better up top to allow him the chance to finish like he has over the years.”
Pitch Not to Blame, Says Bravo
Despite frequent calls for spin-friendly surfaces in Kolkata, the Titans posted 199 — continuing a trend of high first-innings scores. However, Bravo refused to blame the pitch.
“There’s nothing wrong with the wicket. Both teams played on the same surface. They simply played better cricket — their top order got runs, and they won the key moments.”
As the tournament progresses, KKR finds itself in need of solutions — and quickly — with batters short on form and confidence, and playoff hopes hanging by a thread.