KKR Knocked Out of IPL 2025 After Washout vs RCB in Rain

Photo: Reuters

The defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are out of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. On Saturday, May 17, they had to win their important match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, but sadly, rain played spoilsport and the match was called off due to heavy showers.

KKR had a poor season overall and this was their last chance to stay in the tournament. They needed a win to stay alive, but the weather didn’t allow even a single ball to be bowled. Match officials waited for a long time hoping that they could squeeze in at least a 5-over game, but the rain never stopped, and the ground remained too wet to play.

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At 10:25 PM, the umpires finally decided to call off the match, and with this result, RCB moved to the top of the points table with 17 points from 12 matches. The washout helped RCB, who now need just one more point from their remaining two matches to qualify for the playoffs. Though RCB would have liked to play and continue their winning form, they now have to wait until May 23 for their next match against SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH).

Fans had big plans for this game. RCB supporters had worn Virat Kohli’s white Test jersey to pay a lovely tribute to him after he retired from Test cricket on May 12. Some people in the RCB team were a bit worried that the white outfits could make the white ball hard to see, but with the match being rained out, that concern didn't matter on the day. However, it could return again in the next game if the same happens and the weather stays clear.

Even though the match didn’t happen, RCB fans stayed cheerful. They clapped and shouted whenever Virat Kohli appeared on the big screen or when his career stats were shown on the scoreboard. Kohli, who has now stepped away from playing Tests, seems ready to give his full focus to IPL matches. He hasn’t yet spoken about how he feels after retirement, but according to RCB teammates, he is working hard and is very focused on helping the team win.

KKR’s Sad Ending

It has been a tough season for Kolkata Knight Riders. By the end of April, they were almost out of the competition. They did give fans a little hope by winning two matches in a row against Delhi Capitals and Rajasthan Royals, but they quickly lost their rhythm again. Their defeat against Chennai Super Kings, who have been the weakest team this year, really hurt their chances.

This game against RCB was a must-win for KKR, but rain ruined everything, and they were forced out of the tournament without a fight.

Many things went wrong for KKR this year. Their captain Ajinkya Rahane didn’t help much in the middle order. They kept trusting Venkatesh Iyer, but he didn’t perform consistently. Their star player Sunil Narine, who used to be dangerous with both bat and ball, has not been the same ever since Gautam Gambhir, their former mentor, left the team.

Now, KKR only have one match left, against SunRisers Hyderabad on Sunday, May 25. They can’t qualify anymore, but they will surely try to finish the season with a win and leave with their heads held high.