`Sport teaches you to never give up`: Chopra backs KKR to make it in top four

Former Team India cricketer Aakash Chopra feels that despite having a roller-coaster IPL 2025 campaign for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), they still have a chance to qualify for the playoffs.

“Never say never. Even with a 0.1 per cent chance, it`s not over yet. As improbable as it seems, if there`s still a chance, you keep fighting. Sport teaches you to never give up. By the next game, others might be out of contention, but while hope remains, KKR will push for it,” Aakash told JioHotstar.

Recently, the Ajinkya Rahane-led KKR suffered a loss against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) by two wickets in the IPL 2025 match at the Eden Gardens. With the loss, their playoffs` path seems to be a bit difficult for the defending champions.

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Currently, KKR are placed in the sixth position with five wins and six defeats to its name. With seven teams still hunting their way to secure a spot in the playoffs, KKR are on the verge of being eliminated.

KKR will next clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium respectively, on May 10 and 13. Chopra feels the game against Bengaluru will be a crucial one for Kolkata.

“They face tough fixtures ahead, SRH away and RCB away. While SRH is near the bottom, they have match-winners, and RCB will be keen to finish the season with a double. KKR`s game against RCB will be a crucial one,” he added.

After suffering a loss against Chennai, KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane said that it is hard to swallow the loss.

“It was really tough (pill to swallow and lose). We were 10-15 short, 185-195 would have been an ideal total on this pitch.”

The 36-year-old had no complaints about the efforts put in by the bowlers and added, “No complaints at all, the bowlers tried their best,” he said, praising the team`s fight until the end.”

(With ANI Inputs)

This article first appeared on Mid Day