They've only got themselves to blame: Finch on KKR's elimination

IANS May 18, 2025 304 views

The Kolkata Knight Riders' IPL playoff dreams have been crushed after a series of strategic missteps and crucial match losses. Aaron Finch directly criticized the team's management, particularly their handling of star player Andre Russell. The team's elimination came after a washout against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, leaving them with just 12 points from 13 games. Their two-wicket loss to Chennai Super Kings earlier was a critical turning point that ultimately sealed their fate.

"They've only got themselves to blame" - Aaron Finch
Bengaluru, May 18: As defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders were knocked out of contention for a playoff berth after their match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru was washed out, former Australia cricketer Aaron Finch said that the team only got themselves to blame for their elimination.

Key Points

1

KKR eliminated after washout against RCB

2

Andre Russell misused in batting lineup

3

Critical loss to CSK sealed playoff fate

4

Team failed to capitalize on crucial match moments

Saturday's match was a must-win game for KKR as they needef to win both of their remaining games to reach 15 points and hope for a series of favourable results in other matches, along with a substantial improvement in their net run rate.

After a washout, with only a solitary point the three-time champions now have 12 points from 13 games.

"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," Finch said on JioHotstar.

Finch opined that KKR kicked themselves out after their two-wicket loss to Chennai Super Kings on May 7. In that match, Batting first, KKR posted 179 for 6, which looked enough on a tacky surface, but CSK dug deep to pick up two points in a season already lost to them, while KKR saw their top-four ambitions taking a dent.

"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," Finch added.

While KKR are out of playoffs race after the washout, RCB now go top of the table having collected one point that takes their tally to 17 from 12 games.

KKR will play Sunrisers Hyderabad in their final league fixture on May 25.

Reader Comments

Here are 6 authentic Indian perspective comments for the KKR elimination article:
R
Rahul P.
As a KKR fan, this hurts! Finch is absolutely right - we wasted Russell's potential by batting him so low. Our middle order was weak throughout the season. Hope they learn from these mistakes next year. 😔
P
Priya M.
The CSK match was the turning point! We had it in our hands and let it slip. That's when I knew our playoff chances were gone. Too many inconsistent performances this season.
A
Arjun K.
Can't blame just the rain - we had 13 matches to secure our position! Team management needs to take responsibility for poor decisions. Russell at number 7? Seriously? 🤦‍♂️
S
Sunita R.
As an RCB fan, I'm happy but also feel bad for KKR. They started so well but lost momentum. IPL is so unpredictable - one day you're defending champs, next day you're out!
V
Vikram S.
The real problem was our bowling attack. No consistency in death overs. Narine did well but others failed to support him. Need better Indian pacers next season.
N
Neha T.
At least we have one last match against SRH. Hope they play for pride and give us fans something to cheer about! #AmiKKR 💜

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Your email won't be published


Disclaimer: Comments here reflect the author's views alone. Insulting or using offensive language against individuals, communities, religion, or the nation is illegal.

Tags:
IPL 2024 Kolkata Knight Riders Aaron Finch Andre Russell Cricket Analysis