New Delhi [India] : Former India all-rounder Ajay Jadeja believes Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) still have a fighting chance to keep their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 playoff hopes alive—if they can string together a winning run in their remaining fixtures.
With just seven points from nine games, KKR teeter on the brink of group-stage elimination as they struggle to regain momentum. The rain-marred fixture against Punjab Kings (PBKS) at Eden Gardens, which ended without a result, gave KKR a vital point to stay in contention. Now, with five matches left, they need a strong finish to sneak into the top four.
“I think if KKR wins three out of their next four games, they would still believe in their playoff chances. When it’s four out of four, it gets really tough in this format. You’ve got to keep believing,” Jadeja said on JioHotstar.
Reflecting on the washed-out match, Jadeja added, “Kolkata Knight Riders would be happier with that one point. For Punjab Kings, it’s disappointing, but that’s the nature of the game—sometimes it goes your way, sometimes it doesn’t.”
Despite the rain truncating the match, spectators were treated to a brilliant batting display from Punjab’s uncapped stars Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh. The duo stitched a fiery 120-run opening partnership, setting up PBKS for a formidable total of 201/4 before conditions turned trickier for batting.
Priyansh Arya led the charge with a dazzling 69 off 36 balls, smashing eight fours and four sixes. Prabhsimran Singh, more measured at first, accelerated later to blast 83 off 49 balls, hitting six boundaries and six sixes, showcasing power and composure.
Commenting on Prabhsimran’s knock, former Australian cricketer Matthew Hayden said, “He had real power. His strike rate hovered early on but then he unleashed his big shots—square of the wicket and down the ground—which put the KKR bowlers under tremendous pressure.”
Ajay Jadeja praised Priyansh Arya’s approach: “He played the way he should have—controlling his aggression early and attacking later. This ability to shift gears will give him immense confidence. He’s a fabulous player who just needs to keep adding to his game.”
Both youngsters’ performances, despite the rain, provided an entertaining glimpse into the future talent pipeline of Indian cricket.