The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) will aim to keep their playoff dreams alive when they take on the already-eliminated Rajasthan Royals (RR) at the iconic Eden Gardens, Kolkata, on Sunday, May 4, 2025. This clash, Match No. 53 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, is scheduled to begin at 3:30 PM IST and will be broadcast live on the JioStar Network and streamed on JioHotstar.
Team Overviews
KKR currently sit at 7th place on the points table with four wins, five losses, and one no-result. The defending champions are showing signs of a late resurgence, particularly after a solid 14-run win over the Delhi Capitals in their last game. Skipper Ajinkya Rahane and all-rounders like Andre Russell and Sunil Narine will be crucial if they are to push for a playoff berth.
RR, on the other hand, have had a forgettable season. The inaugural champions have only managed three wins in 11 matches and are officially out of the playoff race after suffering a massive 100-run defeat to the Mumbai Indians. With nothing to lose, they might play more freely and could spoil KKR’s playoff hopes.
Head-to-Head Record
Out of the 30 times these two teams have faced off, Kolkata Knight Riders have won 15, while Rajasthan Royals have claimed 14 victories, including two via Super Over. One match ended with no result. Their most recent meeting this season took place in Guwahati, where KKR won by 8 wickets, chasing down 152 in just 17.3 overs.
Pitch Report – Eden Gardens
The Eden Gardens pitch in IPL 2025 has been a batters’ paradise. The average first-innings score here is around 203. Of the four completed games, three have been won by the team batting first, suggesting that putting runs on the board can create scoreboard pressure. However, the unpredictable nature of high-scoring pitches makes chasing equally viable, especially with dew playing a role in afternoon matches.
Probable Playing XI
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR):
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Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK)
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Sunil Narine
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Ajinkya Rahane (C)
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Angkrish Raghuvanshi
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Venkatesh Iyer
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Rinku Singh
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Andre Russell
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Rovman Powell
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Anukul Roy
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Harshit Rana
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Varun Chakaravarthy
Impact Player: Vaibhav Arora
Rajasthan Royals (RR):
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Vaibhav Suryavanshi
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Yashasvi Jaiswal
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Nitish Rana
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Riyan Parag (C)
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Dhruv Jurel (WK)
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Shubham Dubey
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Shimron Hetmyer
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Jofra Archer
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Maheesh Theekshana
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Kumar Kartikeya
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Akash Madhwal
Impact Player: Fazalhaq Farooqi
Key Players to Watch
Yashasvi Jaiswal (RR):
After a slow start, Jaiswal has bounced back with consistent performances. He has scored 439 runs in 11 matches at an average of 43.90 and a strike rate of 154.04, making him RR’s standout batter.
Sunil Narine (KKR):
The veteran spinner has been economical and reliable, with 10 wickets in nine games at an economy of 7.70. His four overs in the middle could prove decisive, especially on a pitch that might offer some grip.
Probable Match Scenarios & Prediction
Scenario 1:
KKR win the toss and choose to bowl.
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RR Powerplay: 65-75
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RR Total: 210-220
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KKR chase successfully and win the match.
Scenario 2:
RR win the toss and bowl first.
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KKR Powerplay: 55-65
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KKR Total: 200-210
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KKR defend the total and win the match.
Match Prediction
Despite RR’s ability to spring surprises, Kolkata Knight Riders are the favourites. They have better momentum, are playing at home, and still have playoff hopes driving their performance. Expect a strong showing from KKR as they fight to keep their season alive.
Prediction: Kolkata Knight Riders to win.