KKR Wins: In a commanding display of cricket, the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) crushed the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) by 80 runs in Match 15 of the IPL 2025 at Eden Gardens. The defending champions, led by Ajinkya Rahane, showcased a dominant all-round performance, propelled by explosive batting and a clinical bowling effort, marking their first home win of the season and climbing to fifth in the points table.
Batting Fireworks: KKR Post 200/6
KKR’s innings began shakily after SRH captain Pat Cummins won the toss and elected to bowl. Openers Quinton de Kock (1) and Sunil Narine (7) fell cheaply to Cummins and Mohammed Shami, leaving KKR at 16/2 within three overs . However, Rahane (38 off 27) and Angkrish Raghuvanshi (50 off 32) stabilized the innings with an 81-run partnership, blending caution and aggression. Raghuvanshi’s fifty, his first of the season, included five boundaries and two sixes, while Rahane’s aggressive intent set the stage for a recovery.
The momentum shifted decisively in the death overs as Venkatesh Iyer (60 off 29) and Rinku Singh (32* off 17) unleashed a 91-run partnership. Iyer, known for his prowess against SRH, hammered seven fours and three sixes, including a 25-ball fifty, while Rinku’s cameo featured four boundaries and a six. Their assault in the final five overs, where KKR plundered 78 runs, lifted the total to 200/6—a score deemed “10 runs over par” by Iyer himself . SRH’s bowlers struggled, with only Kamindu Mendis (1/4) and Harshal Patel (1/43) making partial impacts.
Bowling Brilliance: SRH Collapse for 120
Chasing 201, SRH’s innings imploded early. Vaibhav Arora, named Player of the Match, struck twice in the powerplay, dismissing Travis Head (4) and Ishan Kishan (2). Head, who fell to Arora for a golden duck in the 2024 final, replicated his fate here, while Kishan’s dismissal featured a stunning catch by Rahane at cover . Harshit Rana compounded SRH’s woes by removing Abhishek Sharma (2), leaving the visitors reeling at 9/3 in 2.1 overs.
Despite brief resistance from Kamindu Mendis (27 off 20) and Heinrich Klaasen (33 off 21), SRH never recovered. Varun Chakaravarthy (3/22) dismantled the middle order, including the key wicket of Aniket Verma (6), while Sunil Narine (1/30) and Andre Russell (2/21) chipped in. Klaasen’s counterattack, featuring back-to-back sixes off Narine, was cut short by Arora, who finished with 3/29 . SRH folded for 120 in 16.4 overs, their third consecutive loss this season.
Key Moments and Turning Points
- Top-Order Collapse: SRH’s chase derailed within three overs, losing Head, Sharma, and Kishan for single-digit scores. Arora’s early strikes set the tone, with his pace and swing exploiting the two-paced Eden track.
- Venkatesh-Rinku Onslaught: The duo’s 78-run partnership in 5.2 overs shifted momentum irreversibly. Iyer’s sixes off Cummins and Rinku’s assault on Harshal Patel exemplified KKR’s depth.
- Varun’s Magic: Chakaravarthy’s triple strike, including Cummins (14) and Simarjeet Singh (0) in consecutive deliveries, sealed SRH’s fate. His variations and control earned praise from Rahane post-match.
Captaincy and Strategy
Rahane’s leadership stood out, particularly his decision to promote Raghuvanshi and back Iyer’s aggressive approach. “We wanted to consolidate after early wickets and attack later. Venky and Rinku’s partnership was crucial,” he remarked . SRH’s Cummins admitted tactical errors: “Our fielding let us down. We need to reassess our options”.
KKR’s use of Impact Player Arora proved masterful, while SRH’s decision to bench Adam Zampa backfired as their spinners (Ansari and Mendis) managed only one wicket.
Looking Ahead
For KKR, this win injects confidence ahead of their clash with Chennai Super Kings. SRH, now bottom of the table, face an uphill battle to revive their campaign. With their batting lineup misfiring and bowling lacking bite, Cummins’ men must regroup quickly.
Conclusion
KKR’s comprehensive victory underscored their title credentials, blending youth (Raghuvanshi) and experience (Rahane, Russell). SRH, meanwhile, face pressing questions about their ultra-aggressive approach, which has yielded diminishing returns. As the IPL 2025 season progresses, this match will be remembered as a testament to KKR’s resilience and SRH’s fragility under pressure.
Also Read:
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- KKR vs PBKS Preview: Redemption and Rivalry Collide at Eden Gardens
- CSK vs SRH First Innings: Chennai Collapse to 154 All Out Against Clinical Hyderabad
- CSK vs SRH Playing 11, Toss and Tactical Insights: Clash at Chepauk
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