KKR, CSK revamp after past struggles

MUMBAI: In the 2025 IPL, Kolkata Knight Riders finished eighth after winning just five of their 14 games, while Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals won just four.

- Sanjeev K Samyal

Delhi Capitals won seven and Sunrisers Hyderabad and Lucknow Super Giants six. All five had a below par season and didn’t qualify for the playoffs.

It was clear from the way their tournament went that they had work to do at the mini auction.

After their player picks on Tuesday in Abu Dhabi, all these teams have reason to be optimistic of their chances to compete with the last IPL's top four-winners Royal Challengers Bengaluru, runners-up Punjab Kings, Mumbai Indians and Gujarat Titans.

KKR and CSK were under the most pressure to revamp. The Kolkata franchise had the biggest auction purse and they have shown championship ambition by being decisive with their buying. Whether the players they have bought deliver or not remains to be seen but by picking Aussie allrounder Cameron Green and Sri Lanka pacer Matheesha Pathirana, the franchise has given the team management proven performers in key positions-Green at the top of the order and Pathirana as a death overs specialist.