Picture Credit: X/IPL
Former Australia captain Aaron Finch has criticised defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) following their elimination from the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 on May 17. With the abandoned game between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and KKR at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, both teams shared one point apiece. With this development, Knight Riders have accumulated only 12 points in 13 games. This equation has made reigning champions the fourth team to be ruled out of the playoffs race.
Following KKR’s miserable performance this season, Finch questioned the three-time champion side’s tactics in the tournament. He also felt that Kolkata didn’t utilise their star all-rounder Andre Russell properly as a batter. "It didn't start well for them. Andre Russell, being the match-winner that he is and has been for such a long time, was batting too far down the order for much of the tournament. He simply wasn't given the opportunities to influence games the way he can. They've only got themselves to blame," said Finch on JioStar.
Former Aussie opener also added, "They almost kicked themselves after that last game against CSK – it was theirs to win. The match was almost wrapped up, and they still couldn't cross the line, which turned out to be an incredible win for Chennai. Throughout the season, there were too many moments where KKR just didn't click.”
KKR to play for pride against SRH on May 25
KKR will play for pride on May 25, when they will be playing their final game of the season against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi. Kolkata will look to continue their dominance against the Orange Army to conclude the campaign on a positive note.
In the last four games between KKR and SRH, the former have emerged victorious on all occasions. Like Kolkata, Hyderabad are also out of the playoffs contention. Pat Cummins and his men have gained only three wins in their 11 contests.
