IPL 2025: 3 Players who were underutilised by KKR

IPL 2025 - 3 Players who were underutilised by KKR (Photo source: IPL)

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) had a forgettable season in the (IPL 2025) as they finished at No. 8 on the points table, failing to progress to the playoffs. This turned out to be a dampener for the Kolkata-based franchise after they won their third title in IPL 2024.

Ajinkya Rahane was appointed captain of the franchise after being roped in by the Knights in the IPL 2025 mega auction. The Mumbai batter finished as the highest run-getter for KKR, but he couldn't rally his troops as well as he would have liked. To his defence, it has to be said that KKR didn't have the strongest of squads in the competition. They failed to retain the troika of Shreyas Iyer, Mitchell Starc, and Phil Salt, who made significant contributions in their title-winning campaign in IPL 2024.

However, did KKR use their resources optimally? CricTracker takes a look at three players who were underutilised by the three-time champions in IPL 2025.

Three players who were underutilized by KKR: 3. Anukul Roy Anukul Roy

is a talented spin-bowling all-rounder from Jharkhand. He has been with the KKR setup for quite some time, but chances have been few and far between. This season, he played just one game, and it was against the Delhi Capitals.

The 26-year-old walked out to bat at No. 9 in the 20th over of the first innings and was dismissed for a golden duck. However, he bowled a fine spell with the ball, conceding just 27 runs in his four overs and picking up the wicket of the dangerous Abishek Porel. However, Roy was dropped after this clash, and he failed to make it back into the side. With Ramandeep Singh struggling throughout the season, Roy could have been a handy prospect.

2. Anrich Nortje Ajinkya Rahane and Anrich Nortje. (Photo source: X)

only played two matches in IPL 2025. He bowled seven overs and picked up one wicket, conceding runs at an economy rate of 11.86. The South African speedster was expected to lead the attack and play Starc's role from last season.

However, KKR started the tournament by playing the less-experienced Spencer Johnson, making Nortje wait for his opportunity. This move backfired as Johnson didn't look threatening, picking up just one wicket in four games at an economy rate of 11.74. Had the management backed Nortje and given him some confidence, the right-arm seamer could have been a reliable option, because of his experience and ability to pick wickets with the new ball as well as in the death overs.

1. Rovman Powell Rovman Powell (Source: sportstak Hindi)

The former West Indies T20 captain signed for KKR in the IPL 2025 mega auction. This turned out to be his second stint with the franchise. The last time he was at KKR, he didn't get a game. However, in IPL 2025, he played two matches. The all-rounder faced just five balls and made as many runs. He got to bat in only one of those two games and wasn't used with the ball in any of them.

has improved his game against spin and has gained a lot of experience by playing in various franchise leagues, including the IPL. KKR could have used his services in different ways. When Andre Russell was struggling to find his form with the bat and wasn't bowling as well, Powell could have easily been given a chance. Yes, Russell is a bona fide KKR and IPL legend, but after a long stretch of dismal performances, it would have been a good idea to try out his compatriot. Also, the 31-year-old could have played if Indian wicketkeeper Luvnith Sisodia had been given an opportunity in place of the under-firing Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Quinton de Kock, who were alternatively used in the tournament.