IPL 2025: The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) had a mixed bag in 2024, culminating in their third IPL title. While several players excelled, contributing to their championship-winning campaign, some underperformed, raising concerns for the team's future plans.

These performances stand out particularly because KKR retained or acquired these players with significant expectations. As the franchise gears up for the 2025 IPL season, several players faced varying challenges, leading to inconsistencies that could have cost KKR dearly if not for other stellar contributions.

Here's a breakdown of their underwhelming performances.

1. Rahmanullah Gurbaz

The Afghan wicketkeeper-batter entered IPL 2024 with high expectations, given his explosive batting at the top of the order. However, he struggled to replicate his domestic T20 success. In 13 matches, Gurbaz managed just 238 runs at an average of 18.30 and a strike rate of 117. Despite flashes of brilliance, including a couple of quick starts, his inability to anchor or finish innings was glaring.

Gurbaz's inconsistency wasn't limited to IPL. His international T20I numbers in 2024 mirrored a similar struggle, with a disappointing average of 24.7 across 21 innings. However, it wasn't all bad for Gurbaz in 2024. The opener excelled in the 2024 T20 World Cup.

After a slow start of only 22 runs in three innings, the batter finished the tournament with 281 runs in eight matches - the most by any player. KKR will be desperately hoping that Rahmanullah Gurbaz finds that rich vein of form again before the start of IPL 2025.

2. Quinton de Kock

Quinton de Kock's acquisition for a modest ₹3.6 crore seemed like a steal at the 2024 auction. However, the South African veteran endured a forgettable season, scoring just 190 runs in 11 matches at an average of 21.11 and a strike rate of 122. De Kock's struggles with timing and power-hitting were evident, particularly against quality spin bowling.

His overall 2024 form paints a worrying picture. In T20Is, De Kock averaged just 27.9 across 11 innings, his second-lowest in the past five years. Even in domestic T20 matches, he managed a modest strike rate of 138.9, with only one century. As a senior player, De Kock's inability to deliver when it mattered most was a setback for KKR, who needed stability and aggression at the top.

3. Rinku Singh

Perhaps the most shocking name on this list is Rinku Singh, who was retained for ₹13 crore after being KKR's star performer in the previous seasons. Unfortunately, 2024 proved to be a rare off-year for the explosive finisher. In 14 IPL matches, Rinku could muster only 212 runs at an average of 20.4, failing to notch up even a single half-century.

Rinku's struggles weren't confined to the IPL. Donning the Indian jersey, he scored a meagre 264 runs across 18 T20I innings in 2024, averaging just 24.0. Known for his remarkable finishing abilities, Rinku seemed out of sorts, often getting out trying to manufacture shots under pressure. For KKR, his lack of form in crunch situations was a notable letdown.