After playing a pivotal role in Kolkata Knight Riders’ title-winning campaign in the IPL 2024, Vaibhav Arora is eager to continue his journey with the franchise for the IPL 2025 season. The right-arm pacer made a lasting impact during the 17th edition of the tournament, picking up 11 wickets in 10 matches and proving to be a formidable force for opposition batters with his ability to swing the new ball. Vaibhav returns to the Knight Riders this season because for him it feels like coming back home. As he has been with the KKR setup for the last four seasons, there’s a deep emotional reason for him to feel attached to the team.
“It was special to be back with KKR. I have been with the Knight Riders since the last four seasons, and there is an emotional attachment with the franchise. It feels like my own family. So, when KKR picked me again, I was relieved to go back to the team I won the title with last year. I didn’t want to play for any other team,” he shared with much enthusiasm.
The 27-year-old has been putting in extra work behind the scenes, focusing on expanding his skill set beyond his role as a new-ball bowler. After a successful domestic season, Vaibhav is determined to become a more well-rounded asset to the team, contributing effectively in all stages of the game.
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“I did well in the powerplay in 2024, and I will take confidence from that. But I have worked on my death bowling and I want to be as effective as possible even at that stage of the game. I’ve worked on my slower ones, yorkers, and other variations even in red-ball cricket. I will try to bring that execution to white-ball cricket as well to do well at any stage of the game,” Vaibhav Arora said.
“Didn’t want to play for any other team.”
Vaibhav Arora was delighted to be back with KKR for the IPL 2025 season.#IPL2025https://t.co/FYfTPIUBqD
— India Today Sports (@ITGDsports) February 11, 2025
In many ways, Bharat Arun has been a key figure in Vaibhav’s development. A former Indian bowler and present KKR bowling coach, Bharat Arun helped the young batsman to grow through the past few years by his guidance and mentorship. “I’ve worked with Bharat sir in the last couple of years, this will be the third year. The way he shares his experiences and learnings has helped me become a better bowler each year. So hopefully, I’ll do even better under his guidance this year and try to help the team win,” Vaibhav Arora said.
One of the great partnerships KKR has had in recent seasons has been that of Vaibhav and Harshit Rana. Together, they have been a deadly duo, complementing each other’s bowling styles and creating pressure from both ends. Their bond extends beyond the field as well.
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“This is our third year together. We did not get a chance to play together at first, but when we started, we performed well for the team. Even last year, when we won the trophy, we worked pretty well as a partnership from both ends. If you bowl in partnerships, then off the field too, a unique relationship comes. This year, he remained there, and I was purchased in the auction. It’s like the brothers have reunited once again,” said Vaibhav Arora.
The Vaibhav is aware of the responsibility of the success coming with the Knight Riders for the 2025 season. “There is an expectation from the fans, and trying to match those expectations is always fun. Winning the trophy once is amazing, but the real challenge is to continue doing that season after season. It’s a different kind of challenge, and it will be enjoyable in those circumstances,” he said with determination.
Vaibhav also lauded the never-seen before kind of appreciation that the passionate crowd of Kolkata provides to its team. “The support we get from the fans in Kolkata is our strength. We want to play for them and live up to their expectations because they motivate us so much. We won the trophy last season, and we will try to do the same this year,” Vaibhav concluded, eager to make the upcoming season another memorable one for the franchise and its fans.
