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Xtra Time Web Desk : Isn’t Brendon McCullum a stubborn coach? The Kolkata Knight Riders Head Coach has struggled to find the best playing XI in the ongoing season. It was evident once again for Monday night’s IPL game against Mumbai Indians. The Knight Riders made as many as five changes in the side in the 12th match of the season.

The KKR Head Coach reverted back to the opening combination of Venkatesh Iyer and Ajinkya Rahane, the pair which was tried at the start of the season. Knight Riders are the only team to have tried five opening combinations, most by any team this season. The franchise has tried as many as 20 players which was also the most by any team in this edition.

Now coming back to Venkatesh Iyer. He was not given the confidence by the KKR team management. McCullum admitted that the second-season syndrome has hit Venkatesh Iyer badly.

KKR rode on his second-half exploits in IPL 2021 that led to the franchise storming into the final. True, Venkatesh has not played up to the expectation as he scored 132 runs from nine games. He was demoted to the middle order. The allrounder was also benched for the last two games.

Instead of backing him, he was dumped by the KKR Head Coach. On Monday night, Venkatesh Iyer had a lot to prove as he played a superb attacking knock of 43 off 24, opening the batting. Together with Rahane they put on 60 in the first 6 overs.

It is really baffling to see the batting order of Andre Russell the last couple of seasons. At times the Jamaican power hitter walked into bat in the final overs.

What stands now, the Knight Riders find themselves on the verge of getting knocked out before making it to the PlayOffs.