Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra has backed the defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders to build the winning momentum in IPL 2025. KKR has managed three wins and as many losses in six games they have played in the ongoing season.
In the first six matches of the tournament, the reigning champions are yet to win two back to back games. Chopra praised KKR for their convincing win in the last game against Chennai Super Kings when they restricted the opposition to 103 and then chased down the score in 10 overs.
The former KKR player noted that Ajinkya Rahane is leading the team well and he is making the most of his experience.
“This team is doing well. There is no doubt about that. They choked Chennai in the last match. They grabbed their neck and didn’t let them breathe. They bowled like that, restricted them to 103, and chased it in 10 overs. I don’t have too many suggestions, strategies, or game plans for them. They know what they are doing, and Rahane is leading the team well,” Aakash Chopra said on his YouTube Channel.
“However, they don’t want alternate wins and losses. They want two, in fact three, consecutive wins because a day would come when they would also lose two or three consecutive games. So this match will be extremely crucial for Kolkata from that point of view,” he observed.
Meanwhile, Chopra showered praise on KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane, who is leading from the front. Rahane is the highest run-getter for KKR with 204 runs in six matches at an average of 40.80.
“The captain is playing very well. We are delighted to see Ajinkya Rahane’s batting evolution because he is a very good guy. When good things happen to good people, you feel good about it. He doesn’t have the power game. His game is about technique, timing and placement. He allows the ball to come to him all the time,” he said.
“He is using his bottom hand slightly better this time because he cannot generate power any other way. He has started collapsing his back leg, and that allows him to play the pick-up shot better than earlier. That makes him a really special player. If someone is getting the most out of himself, that is Ajinkya Rahane,” Chopra explained.
Rahane would look to carry his rich form against PBKS.
