By Chirag - Apr 21, 2025 11:28 AM
As the IPL 2025 season heats up, an exciting clash awaits on Monday, April 21, when the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) host Gujarat Titans (GT), match number - 39 at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata.
KKR, having won only three out of their seven games so far, find themselves struggling for consistency. Their most recent match ended in disappointment as they failed to chase down a modest target of 112 against Punjab Kings — a defeat that underlined their need for a turnaround.
The Gujarat Titans, on the other hand, have had a successful season, winning five of their seven games. Their recent triumph saw them successfully chase down 204 runs against Delhi Capitals, showcasing the strength of their batting and balance in the squad.
As KKR look to bounce back at home and GT aim to maintain their momentum, the contest could come down to which side performs better with the ball. In today's high-stakes match, the following three bowlers could be vital and end up taking the most wickets:
The seasoned West Indian spinner continues to be a vital asset for KKR. With seven wickets from six matches at an economy rate of 7.33, Narine is slowly regaining his rhythm. His standout performance in the last game against Punjab Kings — where he picked up 2/14 in three overs — highlighted his ability to stifle the opposition in the middle overs.
With the Eden Gardens pitch known to offer some assistance to spinners, Narine’s experience and mystery spin could prove decisive against Gujarat’s explosive batting lineup.
Prasidh Krishna is having an incredible season and is presently Gujarat's top wicket-taker after taking 14 wickets in just seven games. His pace and accuracy have troubled many batters, and he made a statement in GT’s previous game with figures of 4/41, removing key batters like KL Rahul and Axar Patel.
Returning to Eden Gardens, a ground where he spent several seasons during his stint with KKR, Prasidh’s familiarity with the conditions might give him an added edge. He’ll be eager to make an impact against his former franchise.
Another key spinner in the KKR camp, Varun Chakaravarthy has matched Narine in terms of wickets, picking up 10 from seven games at a tidy average of 16.80 and an economy of 6.22. He is a difficult bowler to score against because of his variations and tight lines.
In the last outing against Punjab, he impressed with figures of 2/21, taking crucial wickets including Glenn Maxwell and Josh Inglis. Playing at home, Varun will aim to use the spin-friendly conditions to his advantage and strike early against a powerful GT batting lineup.
The Eden Gardens surface is expected to assist spinners, which could give KKR’s bowling duo an edge. However, Gujarat Titans’ bowling unit, led by Prasidh Krishna, has been in top form and will be ready to counter the home advantage.
It should be an exciting struggle between bat and ball as both teams try to establish their supremacy. These three bowlers — Narine, Prasidh, and Varun — could very well determine the outcome of this crucial IPL 2025 fixture.
Also Read: IPL 2025: Who Could Score the Most Runs in GT vs KKR Match?
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