Team India Test batter Cheteshwar Pujara has criticised defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders’ (KKR) confusion over leadership decision before the start of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. Ahead of the season, there was no clarity in the KKR camp about who will be handling the captaincy mantle. Ajinkya Rahane and Venkatesh Iyer were the contenders but later Kolkata trusted the Rahane’s leadership prowess and experience appointing Venkatesh as his deputy. Currently, KKR are in the seventh spot on the points tally with seven points accumulated through three wins, five losses and one no-result game.
Noting KKR’s 2025 campaign, Team India Test batter Cheteshwar Pujara has said KKR's decision to appoint Ajinkya Rahane as their captain was late as the leadership confusion deeply resided in the minds of players earlier. “They didn’t have clarity with their captainship. When the season started, it was Ajinkya Rahane or Venkatesh Iyer. When you have uncertainty before the start of the season and if you don’t have clarity about the important decisions that you need to make as a leader, then it also plays on the other players’ minds," said Pujara on ESPNcricinfo.
KKR will take on DC in Delhi on April 29
KKR’s next clash is against Delhi Capitals (DC) at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on April 29. Kolkata won their last game against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on April 11. Noting the competition on the points table, the reigning champions will have to play quality cricket to advance to the playoffs
Both KKR and DC will be facing each other for the first time in this tournament. In 2024, both sides clashed twice and Kolkata emerged victorious on both occasions. This time, Delhi are expected to deliver stiff competition to Ajinkya Rahane and his men.
