The excitement around the IPL 2025 season continues to grow with every match, but Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) found themselves on the wrong side of fan sentiment ahead of their clash against Punjab Kings (PBKS). The two sides are battling it out at Eden Gardens in Kolkata in what is the 44th match of the season. Punjab Kings won the toss and elected to bat first, setting the stage for a high-voltage encounter.
While both teams made strategic changes to their playing XIs, one particular move by KKR sparked outrage among their loyal fanbase — the exclusion of Ramandeep Singh. Known for his dynamic fielding skills and handy batting ability, Ramandeep’s omission raised many eyebrows and triggered a wave of criticism on social media.
Ramandeep Singh’s importance in KKR beyond the numbers
Although Ramandeep has not delivered any standout batting performances this season, his contributions in the field have often lifted the team’s energy and saved crucial runs. In the high-pressure environment of the IPL, where every run and every moment in the field counts, players like Ramandeep add immense value.
Dropping a player who brings both versatility and spirit to the field surprised many fans and experts alike. Many pointed out that while form can dip temporarily, a player’s commitment and fielding prowess can often make the difference in tight matches.
Also READ: IPL 2025: Players who have represented both KKR and Punjab Kings in IPL T20
Fans slam KKR for dropping Ramandeep
The KKR management’s decision to sideline Ramandeep did not sit well with fans, who wasted no time in expressing their anger on social media platforms, especially X (formerly Twitter). Hashtags criticizing KKR’s decision started trending soon after the playing XIs were announced.
Here’s how fans reacted:
Ramandeep ka drop karna Banta nhi tha Venky ko agar 5 pe hi khilana hai phir use drop karna tha
— Chishiya🎶 (@F_Iyer96) April 26, 2025
In a league where quality Indian middle order options against pace are rare, KKR have benched Ramandeep Singh of all, after playing him at 8 and 9 all these games…
— RICHUMSD07 (@richumsd07) April 26, 2025
KKR dropped Ramandeep ? 🧐
— RDK 🐿️ (@Champ_VK18) April 26, 2025
Ramandeep not even in impact list
This team is beyond understanding 🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/mxF65UK23G— 𝕏treme (@KKRXtreme) April 26, 2025
Don’t know why ramandeep is benched, he has atleast shown commitment in the field, meanwhile that MF Venkatesh Iyer who is useless in the field and sole reason for KKRs loss in the last match is playing.
— Abhishek (@iam_a_r) April 26, 2025
What they had dropped Ramandeep
— ASHER. (@ASHUTOSHAB10731) April 26, 2025
Venkatesh Iyer ne Ramandeep Singh drop krwa diya ab agle me Rinku Singh drop hojaega kyoki middle me to Venkatesh Iyer hi khelega or kisika aukat nhi 14 ka runrate chase krpae aate hi.
— कट्टर KKR समर्थक 🦁🇮🇳 ™ (@KKRWeRule) April 26, 2025
Why Ramandeep is dropped today ? I mean what value Rovman brings which Raman doesn’t ? Hopefully it’s only about a niggle because I can’t see this kind of instability in team selection. #KKRvsPBKS #IPL2025
— priyanshu Rawat (@priyanshu1811) April 26, 2025
If u think nortje is not gyd enough to play at ur home ground,,then y d hell u bought him for 6.8crs?
Ramandeep was ur retained player,,droping him aftr few failures??
We are officialy back in that 2022-23 era again..🙏🙏— Yusuf Ahmad (@yusufahmad2612) April 26, 2025
No Ramandeep 🤡
— Mr Subhani (@mrsubhani15) April 26, 2025
Venkatesh Iyer should have been dropped instead of Ramandeep Singh. #KKRvsPBKS
— Jethalal Fan (@jethalal_fan) April 26, 2025
Even Ramandeep, one of the retained players, gets dropped but not the actual liability.
— Š. (@Soham718) April 26, 2025
KKR is not playing with one of the best fielder in this tournament!! #Ramandeep
— Navaldeep Singh (@NavalGeekSingh) April 26, 2025
KKR dropped Ramandeep man how the hell they can drop someone like ramandeep better trade him to RCB 😁
— Mrinal Deo (@cricketmrinal) April 26, 2025
Ramandeep’s been under-utilized this season and now has been dropped. This is outright bad from KKR with someone who’s made his national debut just the last season and was retained over many big names.Only makes a dent in the confidence.
— Ramteja Bvv (@ram45tej) April 26, 2025
They dropped our best fielder Ramandeep
— SRKzAGNI🔥 (@Srkxsoul1) April 26, 2025
KKR benching Ramandeep is hilarious. There’s atleast 3 batters worse than him in that lineup.
— *__* (@smokestack21X) April 26, 2025
Ramandeep ko retain karke ussi ko Drop kar diya 😭
— Cheeky blinders (@SChusalman) April 26, 2025
Powell was expected, they are also bringing Chetan Sakariya in place of Ramandeep. That was totally unexpected.
— ANSH (@Hetshaw65) April 26, 2025
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