Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) head coach Chandrakant Pandit expressed strong confidence in his team’s playoff chances ahead of their crucial IPL 2025 clash against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at Eden Gardens on Wednesday.
Following two back-to-back victories over Delhi Capitals and Rajasthan Royals, KKR now sit at 11 points from 11 matches. With two league games left, the franchise can still finish with a maximum of 17 points—enough to remain in playoff contention, though they may need other results to go their way.
Pandit, known for his methodical approach, isn’t looking too far ahead but remains optimistic. “More than anything else, I would say that we know the ability of every individual player as a team, and that has to be maintained,” Pandit said during the pre-match press conference. “Every player knows that at any given time, he can win the game. The team that has been playing for the last two games is building momentum, and to maintain that, we must give them a lot of confidence.”
He emphasized the importance of focusing on the positives and maintaining belief, especially at this late stage of the season. “It’s always better to remind the boys of the good things they’ve done. The positives from our wins should be carried forward. You can’t dwell on past failures—it’s about moving ahead with strength,” he explained. “Rather than thinking about the next three games, the focus should be on the next one. That’s how you climb the ladder.”
Reflecting on KKR’s recent tight wins—by 14 runs against Delhi Capitals and a thrilling 1-run win over Rajasthan Royals—Pandit acknowledged that such results can spark renewed belief. “That’s the beauty of the tournament. There are ups and downs, but how you counterattack is what defines your journey,” he said. “Looking at these two wins, we’re optimistic about the remaining games as well. And why not? I’m very, very confident we can qualify.”
Looking ahead to their next opponent CSK, Pandit warned against underestimating them despite their poor form. “No game can be taken lightly. Every opponent presents a challenge,” he noted. “You must have your strategies and implement them at the right times.”
As the league phase nears its end, KKR’s fate still hangs in the balance, but with a rejuvenated squad, a confident dressing room, and Chandrakant Pandit’s composed leadership, the two-time IPL champions are aiming to script another strong finish.
KKR’s Remaining Fixtures:
- vs Chennai Super Kings – May 7 (Eden Gardens)
- vs Mumbai Indians – May 11 (Wankhede Stadium)
Do you think KKR will qualify for the IPL 2025 playoffs?
