Eden Gardens buzzing, Kolkata Knight Riders chasing 199 against Gujarat Titans, and the crowd pinning hopes on Venkatesh Iyer, their Rs 23.75 crore star. Then, heartbreak—14 runs off 19 balls, a tame dismissal, and a 39-run defeat. As Shubman Gill, once a KKR prodigy, dazzled with a match-winning 90, social media erupted, reigniting a four-year-old question: Did KKR back the wrong horse by retaining Iyer over Gill in 2021?
As an IPL fan, I’m torn. Iyer’s been a hero before, but his IPL 2025 form is testing our patience. Gill, meanwhile, is leading GT like a boss. Let’s unpack this thriller of a match, dive into the Iyer-Gill saga, and figure out what’s next for KKR’s playoff dreams.
The Match That Broke KKR Hearts: GT’s Dominance at Eden
Last night’s clash at Eden Gardens was peak IPL drama. GT, batting first, unleashed a batting masterclass, posting 198/3. Shubman Gill led from the front with a silky 90 (50 balls, 9 fours, 3 sixes), reminding KKR what they lost. Sai Sudharsan’s 52 (34 balls) kept the scoreboard ticking, while Jos Buttler’s 41* (23 balls, 8 fours) and Shahrukh Khan’s 15* (7 balls) sealed a daunting total.
KKR’s bowlers? They had a rough night. Vaibhav Arora (1/34) snagged Buttler, Varun Chakravarthy (1/40) dismissed Sudharsan, and Andre Russell (1/38) got Gill, but the runs kept flowing. Harshit Rana’s 0/42 summed up KKR’s struggles on a batting-friendly pitch.
Chasing 199, KKR needed fireworks. Instead, they got a fizzle. Openers Rahmanullah Gurbaz (1 off 3) and Sunil Narine (17 off 13) fell to Mohammed Siraj and Rashid Khan, leaving KKR at 25/2 in 3 overs. Captain Ajinkya Rahane tried to steady the ship with a gritty 50 (36 balls, 4 fours, 2 sixes), but Iyer’s 14 off 19 was a dagger to the heart. Rinku Singh (28 off 20) and Russell (15 off 10) swung hard, but GT’s bowlers—Siraj (2/29), Khan (2/32), and Noor Ahmad (1/28)—closed the door. KKR ended at 159/8, their fifth loss in eight games.
Turning Point: Iyer’s dismissal by Rashid Khan in the 12th over. With KKR needing 115 off 51 balls, his slow knock killed the chase. Gill’s fist-pump said it all—GT smelled blood.
Stat Check:
- Gill’s IPL 2025: 320 runs, avg. 45.71, strike rate 140.35.
- Iyer’s IPL 2025: 145 runs, avg. 20.71, strike rate 115.08.
- KKR’s top-order woes: Openers average 19.00, strike rate 8.44 (second-worst in IPL 2025).
Venkatesh Iyer: From IPL Hero to Social Media Zero?
Let’s talk about Venkatesh Iyer. The guy’s a talent—remember his 52* off 26 in the IPL 2024 final, steering KKR to glory? Or his 104 off 51 against Mumbai Indians in 2023? At his best, Iyer’s a game-changer, blending power, brains (he’s pursuing a PhD in finance!), and occasional off-spin. But IPL 2025? It’s been a nightmare.
His 14 off 19 against GT was painful to watch. Facing a steep asking rate, Iyer poked around, managing just one boundary before Rashid Khan sent him packing. Fans on X didn’t hold back: “Rs 24 crore for THIS? #KKRvsGT” read one post. Another meme showed Shah Rukh Khan, KKR’s co-owner, looking baffled, captioned “When you realize Iyer’s strike rate is 73.”
But here’s the thing—Iyer’s not alone. KKR’s top order is crumbling. Quinton de Kock (143 runs, avg. 23.83), Narine (147 runs, avg. 21.00), and Gurbaz have been inconsistent, putting extra pressure on Iyer and Rahane. “It’s a team game. We’re all accountable,” said KKR coach Dwayne Bravo, backing his star. Former India batter Aakash Chopra added, “Iyer’s timing is off, but he’s too good to stay down for long.”
The 2021 Retention Call: Iyer Over Gill, A Mistake?
The Iyer-Gill debate is the IPL’s ultimate “what if.” Back in 2021, KKR had to pick four players to retain. They chose Iyer, Narine, Russell, and Chakravarthy, letting Gill go. At the time, it made sense—Iyer had smashed 370 runs (avg. 41.11, strike rate 129) in IPL 2021, including a match-winning 50 in the final. Gill, while promising, managed 478 runs (avg. 28.11) and seemed less versatile.
Fast forward to 2025, and Gill’s a superstar. Since joining GT, he’s piled up 890 runs in 2023, 483 in 2022, and now leads the IPL 2025 standings with GT. His 90 against KKR was a statement—a blend of elegance and aggression. Meanwhile, Iyer’s 1,789 career IPL runs (avg. 33.75) pale against Gill’s 3,424 (avg. 38.04).
So, did KKR goof? Not entirely. Iyer’s all-round skills (13 wickets, economy 8.15) and flexibility—batting anywhere from opener to No. 5—fit KKR’s strategy. He’s also led KKR in the past, a nod to his leadership potential. “Venky’s a long-term asset,” said KKR CEO Venky Mysore post-auction. “His 2024 final knock showed what he can do.”
Still, Gill’s consistency stings. “Shubman’s a captain, a run-machine, and KKR’s loss,” posted an X user. It’s a tough pill, but KKR’s banking on Iyer’s redemption.
Social Media’s Hot Takes: Fair or Overblown?
X was ablaze post-match. Memes roasted Iyer’s knock, with one viral post joking, “Venkatesh Iyer’s strike rate is slower than my Wi-Fi.” Another user wrote, “Gill haunting KKR like a ghost.” But some fans rallied behind Iyer: “He’s carried KKR before. Give him time,” read a supportive post.
Analyst Harsha Bhogle chimed in: “Iyer’s form is a concern, but he’s a proven performer. Patience, KKR fans.” The polarized reactions show how IPL stirs emotions—every match feels like a soap opera.
Poll Idea: Was KKR right to retain Iyer over Gill?
- Yes, Iyer’s versatility is key
- No, Gill’s a generational talent
- Let’s wait and see Vote below and share your take!
What’s Next for KKR and Iyer?
With six games left, KKR’s playoff hopes are on life support. Their top order needs a miracle, and Iyer must find his groove. Moving him to No. 3 or 4, where he’s thrived, could help. His 198 in the Vijay Hazare Trophy and 104 in IPL 2023 prove he’s got the chops.
Rahane remains upbeat: “We’ve shown fight. It’s about stringing wins now.” Bravo’s tweaking strategies, possibly leaning on Rinku Singh’s finishing or Chakravarthy’s spin to turn things around.
For GT, Gill’s leadership and their balanced squad—Siraj’s fire, Rashid’s guile, Buttler’s class—make them title favorites. The Iyer-Gill saga will linger, but IPL 2025’s bigger story is the race to the playoffs.