Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have dropped opening batter and wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock from their playing XI against Gujarat Titans at Eden Gardens in Kolkata.

De Kock, who recently retired from international cricket at the age of 32, has seriously struggled this season with the bat. Apart from the second game of the season for KKR, where he scored 97* off 61 deliveries against Rajasthan Royals (RR) in Guwahati, his scores read 4, 1, 1, 15, 23, and 2. 

KKR have brought in Afghanistan wicketkeeper batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz in his place. In 15 innings for the franchise, he has scored 289 runs at an average of 22.2 and a strike rate of 133.8. 

Meanwhile, de Kock’s form has been a concern not only this season but also since the 2024 season. Since last year, he is statistically the worst opening batter in the Indian Premier League (IPL). He averages only 23.12 as an opener since 2024, which is the worst in the league (for batters who have opened a minimum of 15 times).

Lowest average for an opener since IPL 2024 (min 15 inns)

23.12 – Quinton de Kock

24.29 – Rachin Ravindra

26.50 – Prabhsimran Singh

28.83 – Faf du Plessis

Among those mentioned above, de Kock’s SR of 135.5 is by distance the lowest. 

KKR also made one more change and brought Moeen Ali into the game. Notably, Moeen has been a lucky charm for KKR, with the side winning every game when he has played in the playing XI and losing every game that he hasn’t played.