On May 4, which is Super Sunday, the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) will play their first IPL 2025 match at Kolkata’s Eden Gardens. The reigning champions and the first-time winners will square off for the second time.
The Kolkata team needs to win every game to remain in the running because they haven’t had a particularly reliable season thus far. Despite their thrilling victory over the Delhi Capitals, they still need to win every game this season in order to qualify for the playoffs. Out of the ten games they have played so far, the Boys in Purple have won four and lost five, with one game ending in a draw.
However, following their lacklustre performance against the Mumbai Indians (MI), the Royals are among the clubs that have been formally ousted from the competition. Before their terrible season ends, they will still be trying to pick up some victories. This season, the Boys in Pink have only won three games.
Early in the tournament, the Kolkata Knight Riders defeated the other team in their first meeting in Guwahati. The Royals want to get revenge and ruin the celebration, while the three-time champs want to make sure that history is repeated.
IPL Stats and Records at Eden Gardens, Kolkata
| Matches Played | 98 |
| Matches Won Batting First | 41 |
| Matches Won Batting Second | 56 |
| Matches With No Result | 01 |
| Matches Tied | 00 |
| Average First Innings Score | 170 |
| Highest Team Total | 262 |
| Highest Total Successfully Chased | 262 |
Key Player Battles in KKR vs RR, Match 53 of IPL 2025:
1. Ajinkya Rahane vs Wanindu Hasaranga
Ajinkya Rahane has no doubt been the best batter for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) this season, scoring runs consistently. However, he has had his struggles against Sri Lankan leggie Wanindu Hasaranga against whom he has scored only nine runs at an average of 4.50 and has a strike rate of only 112.50. He has also been dismissed twice by him.
2. Riyan Parag vs Sunil Narine
Rahane will not be the only key player who has his challenge against spin since RR middle-order batter Riyan Parag has also had his struggles, especially against Sunil Narine. Parag might have been dismissed only once, but he has a run-a-ball strike rate and averages only 13.
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