Despite having star players, Kolkata Knight Riders and Sunrisers Hyderabad have not had an ideal start to IPL 2025. Both teams have played three matches so far, winning just one and losing two. They previously faced each other in last year’s IPL final, where Kolkata emerged victorious.
Both Teams Aim for a Comeback
When KKR and SRH face off again on Thursday, their primary goal will be to return to winning ways. KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane had earlier stated after their opening match loss to Royal Challengers Bengaluru that there was no need to panic. However, after losing two out of three matches, their morale might be slightly shaken, especially after a crushing defeat against Mumbai.
Spinners Could Play a Crucial Role
Last season, KKR lost only three matches, and now the focus shifts back to the Eden Gardens pitch. Following their seven-wicket loss to RCB, the pitch faced criticism, and the Cricket Association of Bengal is under pressure to prepare a surface that favors KKR’s spin-heavy attack. KKR boasts quality spinners like Sunil Narine, Moeen Ali, and Varun Chakravarthy, who could play a vital role in the match.
Shami Needs to Deliver at Eden Gardens
SRH started the season with a record-breaking 286-run total in their first match but failed to cross 200 in their last two games. Abhishek Sharma’s aggressive batting approach has not worked well so far. The team has suffered back-to-back losses against Lucknow and Delhi Capitals. To avenge their IPL final defeat from last year, Pat Cummins’ side will need a significant improvement in their performance. The Eden Gardens pitch could suit fast bowlers like Cummins and Mohammed Shami, but Shami is yet to make a big impact in this IPL season.
Also Read- IPL 2025 Full Schedule- Date, Timing, Matches, Venues
Predicted Playing XIs
Kolkata Knight Riders: Quinton de Kock (wk), Sunil Narine, Ajinkya Rahane (c), Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Venkatesh Iyer, Rinku Singh, Andre Russell, Ramandeep Singh, Spencer Johnson, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakravarthy.
Sunrisers Hyderabad: Travis Head, Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Heinrich Klaasen (wk), Aniket Verma, Abhinav Manohar, Pat Cummins (c), Zeeshan Ansari, Harshal Patel, Mohammed Shami.