In a much-anticipated rematch of the 2024 IPL final, the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are set to face off against the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Thursday. Both teams, having struggled to replicate their previous year’s success following the IPL mega auction, are eager to turn their fortunes around in the 2025 season.
With each team suffering two losses in their first three games, KKR and SRH find themselves in the lower echelons of the points table. While it’s early in the tournament, the pressure is mounting, and a victory in this match could be pivotal in reigniting their campaigns.
The key to success for both teams lies in their opening partnerships. Last season, KKR and SRH were among the IPL’s top performers during the Powerplay, with SRH achieving the highest scores of 125/0 against Delhi Capitals and 107/0 against Lucknow Super Giants, while KKR scored 105/0 against Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2017.
KKR’s strategy last year involved promoting Sunil Narine to open the innings, a move that paid dividends. However, after the auction, KKR introduced a new opening pair with Quinton de Kock joining Narine. Despite individual performances like Narine’s 44 and De Kock’s 97 against Rajasthan Royals, KKR has struggled to set a formidable total, posting the season’s lowest Powerplay scores of 60/1, 40/0, and 41/4.
Last year, KKR’s opening duo and consistent middle order meant they rarely needed their finishers, with Rinku Singh facing only 113 balls throughout the season. This year, however, the team’s early struggles have highlighted the need for a strong start.
SRH, on the other hand, started the season strongly with a 94/1 Powerplay against Rajasthan Royals. But their form has dipped, with scores of 62/2 and 58/4 in subsequent matches. The team has also lost seven wickets in the Powerplay, a concern that needs addressing. While Travis Head has shown flashes of brilliance, young Abhishek Sharma is yet to make a significant impact.
With power hitters like Ishan Kishan and Heinrich Klaasen in the lineup, a solid start could set the stage for SRH to dominate the opposition.
Compounding their batting woes, both teams have struggled with their bowling in the Powerplay. KKR has conceded 80, 54, and 65 runs while taking only two wickets, and SRH has been equally expensive, giving away 77, 77, and 52 runs for four wickets. Improving their early bowling performance is crucial for both teams to regain control of the game.
As KKR and SRH prepare for this critical encounter, the focus will be on their opening batsmen and bowlers to set the tone and steer their teams back to winning ways in the IPL 2025.