By Chirag - May 04, 2025 08:05 AM
The 53rd IPL 2025 match between the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) will take place at Kolkata's renowned Eden Gardens on Sunday, May 4. Both sides enter this match with different goals in mind: RR is battling for pride after already losing out on the top four, while KKR is still holding onto their slender prospects of making the playoffs.
With nine points from ten games, the reigning champions, KKR, are now ranked sixth in the standings. After a rain-affected no-result against Punjab Kings, they bounced back strongly with a 14-run victory over Delhi Capitals. KKR's batting was excellent as they scored 204/9, but Delhi's pursuit was cut short at a critical point by Sunil Narine's brilliant session (3/29).
On the other hand, Rajasthan Royals have endured a tough season and find themselves eighth with just six points from 11 games. Their playoff dreams were dashed following a heavy 100-run defeat to Mumbai Indians. RR's difficulties this season were highlighted by their bowling errors of 217 runs and subsequent collapse for 117.
The weather in Kolkata is expected to be clear on match day, with minimal chances of rain. Humidity could rise during the evening, making conditions a little challenging for fielders.
The Eden Gardens pitch has traditionally favored batsmen, with short boundaries encouraging big hitting. But as the game goes on, spinners have also received support. Expect a high-scoring affair with spinners playing a key role in the middle overs.
KKR holds a slight edge historically, leading 15-14. The last time these two teams met earlier this season in Guwahati, Kolkata registered a dominant eight-wicket win.
In Kolkata, the Knights have enjoyed better success, but it's worth noting that Rajasthan pulled off a thrilling two-wicket win chasing a mammoth 224 the last time they played at this venue.
Image Source: IPL-X
1. Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), 2. Sunil Narine, 3. Ajinkya Rahane (C), 4. Venkatesh Iyer, 5. Rinku Singh, 6. Angkrish Raghuvanshi, 7. Andre Russell, 8. Rovman Powell, 9. Anukul Sudhakar Roy, 10. Harshit Rana, 11. Varun Chakravarthy
Impact Players: 1. Manish Pandey, 2. Luvnith Sisodia, 3. Vaibhav Arora
Image Source: IPL-X
1. Yashasvi Jaiswal, 2. Vaibhav Suryavanshi, 3. Nitish Rana, 4. Riyan Parag (C), 5. Dhruv Jurel (WK), 6. Shimron Hetmyer, 7. Jofra Archer, 8. FazalHaq Farooqi, 9. Kumar Kartikeya, 10. Maheesh Theekshana, 11. Akash Madhwal
Impact Players: 1. Shubham Dubey,2. Kunal Singh Rathore, 3. Sanju Samson, 4. Yudhvir Singh Charak
Based on current form, head-to-head history at Eden Gardens, and recent performances, AI models slightly favor Kolkata Knight Riders to secure a win. KKR’s explosive batting combined with their spin strength led by Narine and Chakravarthy gives them the upper hand against an RR side that has struggled for consistency. However, if Rajasthan’s top order, especially Jaiswal and Hetmyer, clicks early, they could well spring a surprise.
Prediction: Kolkata Knight Riders to win, but expect a close contest if RR’s batting fires.
Also Read: KKR vs RR Dream11 Team, My11circle Prediction, Pitch and Weather Report
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