The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have a problem—and no, it’s not their bowling or fielding. It’s the endgame. After yet another late-innings collapse in the IPL 2025 season, mentor Dwayne Bravo went public, urging the team to build a stronger, more dependable finishing lineup. His message was loud and clear: If KKR wants to compete for the title, they need batters who can hold their nerve and smash till the last over.
Because in T20 cricket, the last five overs often decide the match. Teams that can end strong, win. Teams that fade? They fall off the points table. For fans, it’s the difference between cheering a thrilling win or muttering into your popcorn. For franchises, it’s playoff qualification—or elimination. And right now, KKR’s habit of stumbling at the finish line is putting their whole season in jeopardy.
What’s Actually Going Wrong?
Let’s break it down:
1. Unreliable Middle Order:
KKR’s middle order just isn’t clicking. One game they rescue the innings, the next they disappear. No team can survive on that kind of inconsistency.
2. Top-Heavy Tactics:
The top three often blaze away, but if they fail, the whole batting structure collapses. It’s like building a skyscraper on a cardboard base.
3. No True Finishers:
Yes, there are power hitters. But depth? Not so much. A couple of quick wickets and suddenly the team’s chasing singles instead of boundaries.
4. Rigid Batting Order:
Flexibility? Missing. The lineup feels fixed regardless of the match situation. But T20 cricket demands agility—move the chess pieces as the game shifts.
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Bravo’s Solution: It’s Not Just “Buy Big Names”
Dwayne Bravo—an IPL veteran and one of the format’s best-ever finishers—isn’t just calling for firepower. He wants a smart, battle-ready lineup. Here’s what he’s pointing toward:
- Recruiting Finishers:
Not marquee names, but players who specialize in death overs. Think players like Tim David or David Miller, who can walk in cold and start clearing ropes. - Backing Young Talent:
Domestic cricket has unearthed some promising hitters. Bravo wants them in. Raw talent just needs opportunity—and the right coaching. - Shuffling the Order:
Batters like Andre Russell need support, not solo missions. Maybe it’s time to try Sunil Narine at No. 6 again? Or give young middle-order batters more chances under pressure. - Coaching with Intent:
Finishing is a skill. It can be taught, refined, and drilled. And Bravo knows a thing or two about doing just that.
Why It Matters in the IPL
In the IPL, strong finishes are make-or-break. Let’s look at why:
- Momentum Shift:
A 20-run final over isn’t just about runs—it deflates the opposition and energizes the team. - Close Games Count:
Many IPL matches are decided in the last 6 balls. That’s where winners are made. - Net Run Rate (NRR):
In a tight league, finishing strong can improve your NRR—often the deciding factor in playoff races. - Fan Confidence:
Supporters love thrillers. But if collapse becomes the norm, the cheers turn to groans—and ticket sales feel it.
Can KKR Bounce Back?
The short answer: Yes. But it won’t be easy.
KKR has the talent. They’ve got a brilliant support team. And with Bravo pushing for change, the intent is there. What they need now is execution—both in the transfer market and on the pitch.
If they can fix the finishing, KKR becomes dangerous. If not, it’s déjà vu all over again.
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