June 22, 2025 11:13 am (IST)
Follow us:
facebook-white sharing button
twitter-white sharing button
instagram-white sharing button
youtube-white sharing button
DGCA orders termination of three Air India officials over safety lapses | Nitish Kumar announces big hike in pension under social security scheme ahead of Bihar polls | After denial, Priyank Kharge now secures External Affairs Ministry's clearance for US travel visit | Let inner peace become global peace: Modi's message to the world on International Yoga Day | 'Declined Trump's invitation as I had to visit Lord Jagannath's holy land': PM Modi in Odisha | Loyal to Congress for 16 years, differences can be discussed behind closed doors: Shashi Tharoor | Indians will soon feel ashamed to speak in English: Amit Shah amid language debate | Crashed Air India aircraft's black box to be sent to US for data recovery as India lacks 'proper equipment' | After SC's rap, Karnataka govt promises securities to theatres if Kamal Haasan's Thug Life releases | 'Misconduct proved': Probe panel recommends 'cash pile' accused Justice Yashwant Varma's impeachment
Image courtesy: (File/ image credit: Avishek Mitra | IBNS)

IPL 2025: KKR eye revival at Eden, RR aim to spoil the party

| @indiablooms | May 03, 2025, at 10:28 pm

Kolkata: KKR are still in the hunt for a playoff berth this season, but they face a double challenge this Sunday: overcoming both RR and their own poor form at home.

Eden Gardens, once considered KKR’s fortress, has been far from comforting this year. With only one win in four home games and another match abandoned, Kolkata’s stronghold has started to feel like unfamiliar territory. Sunday’s clash marks their penultimate home fixture—and a must-win if they are to stay in the playoff race.

For KKR, the equation is simple yet steep: win all their remaining four matches to finish with 17 points and stay in contention. But the immediate obstacle is RR, a side already knocked out of the tournament but still dangerous enough to play spoilers. With pride on the line, the Royals will be eager to bow out with dignity.

Consistency remains a thorn in KKR’s side. They are yet to string together consecutive wins this season. While Rahmanullah Gurbaz showed signs of returning to form in the last outing, Andre Russell and Rinku Singh have contributed in bursts.

However, Venkatesh Iyer’s prolonged lean patch is a growing concern. Will the team management take the bold step of dropping him?

Anukul Roy has impressed with both bat and ball, which might edge out Ramandeep Singh from the playing XI. With three overseas players already locked in, the final foreign slot may come down to a call between Rovman Powell and Moeen Ali. Given Eden’s traditionally slower surface, Moeen’s all-round abilities might give him the edge.

A loss on Sunday won’t mathematically eliminate KKR, but it would leave them hanging by a thread—a scenario the team would want to avoid at all costs.

On the other hand, Rajasthan Royals may be out of the playoff picture, but they remain a force.

After a promising start, their campaign fizzled out—highlighted by a high against Gujarat Titans and a dismal showing against Mumbai Indians. With skipper Sanju Samson nursing an injury and Sandeep Sharma ruled out, the Royals are depleted, but still dangerous.

Young guns like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Vaibhav Suryavanshi have the talent to turn games around.

With nothing left to lose, the Royals could come out swinging. Players like Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel, and Akash Madhwal will be keen to make a mark and finish on a high.

Adding to the intrigue is the weather. The pitch appeared dry and spin-friendly in the lead-up, but with Norwesters predicted on Sunday night, both teams may have to factor in the possibility of rain interruptions.

For KKR, Sunday is not just about staying in the race—it’s about reclaiming Eden. For RR, it’s about pride.

Either way, expect a fierce contest.

Support Our Journalism

We cannot do without you.. your contribution supports unbiased journalism

IBNS is not driven by any ism- not wokeism, not racism, not skewed secularism, not hyper right-wing or left liberal ideals, nor by any hardline religious beliefs or hyper nationalism. We want to serve you good old objective news, as they are. We do not judge or preach. We let people decide for themselves. We only try to present factual and well-sourced news.

Support objective journalism for a small contribution.