KOLKATA: As the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 heats up, all eyes will be on Rishabh Pant when the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) face the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the iconic Eden Gardens on Tuesday. Pant, who has been struggling to find his rhythm this season, will be eager to recapture the magic that once saw him hammer an unbeaten 128 off just 63 deliveries against Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2018, or the explosive 97 off 43 balls that led Delhi Capitals to victory over Gujarat Lions in 2017.
However, the Pant seen in LSG’s first four matches of the season has been a shadow of his former self, managing only 19 runs across four innings at a dismal strike rate of around 60. This performance starkly contrasts with the expectations set by his record-breaking IPL auction price, making his upcoming match a crucial opportunity for redemption.
The game, originally slated for April 6, was rescheduled due to technical issues, adding an extra layer of anticipation to this afternoon fixture. KKR, riding high on a recent convincing victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad, will not make it easy for Pant. The Knights’ middle-order anchor, Venkatesh Iyer, showcased his form and ability to pace an innings on a challenging wicket in their last outing.
Otis Gibson, KKR’s assistant coach, emphasized the team’s strategy, stating, “If we take wickets with the new ball, then we can be very dangerous in the middle overs, of course, with Varun and Sunil (Narine). And if we don’t take wickets with a new ball, then we’ve still got those guys that we can utilize in the middle-overs.” This approach was evident in their last match, where an all-round performance demonstrated KKR’s depth and versatility, a scenario any coach would dream of.
The KKR bowling attack, led by pacer Vaibhav Arora and spinner Varun Chakravarthy, both claiming three wickets each in the previous game, proved that the Eden Gardens pitch offers something for every type of bowler. Contributions from batsmen like Ajinkya Rahane, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, and Rinku Singh have been vital, and once Andre Russell finds his groove, KKR’s lineup will be formidable.
While the Eden Gardens crowd will undoubtedly rally behind their home team, Pant can expect significant support as well. As the IPL 2025 continues to unfold, this match promises to be a thrilling contest between a struggling star seeking redemption and a confident team looking to maintain their momentum.