It’s becoming more evident with every passing match that the KKR players are insecure and bitter. New allegations are surfacing within the team every day, dirty linen is being washed in public; and as often happens at such times, the problems are spilling on the cricket field, leading to rash shots, slow full-tosses, and dropped catches. Their biggest problem now, in the last three matches, is that they’re battling the very nature of sport. Losing is a habit. Once you’re caught in a long rut the only way out is a wholesale change — in mindset or personnel — which can only happen next season.

Deccan Chargers experienced it last year, when they finished with only two wins despite having an abundance of riches in their squad. And now Kolkata will probably end up with no more than the three points they already have. For all the technological advances made in cricket, you don’t need a laptop to tell you that its unforgiving nature remains simple as ever.

kunal.pradhan@expressindia.com