Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) resume their IPL 2025 campaign with a clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Thursday, April 3.
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Kolkata Knight Riders vs Sunrisers Hyderabad: Preview
The last time Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) faced off was in the IPL 2024 final. However, just three games into IPL 2025, both teams find themselves struggling at the bottom of the points table. SRH sit in eighth place, while KKR languish at tenth, with Rajasthan Royals—whom both teams have defeated—positioned between them in ninth.
For defending champions KKR, their batting has been a major concern. Last season, their opening duo played a crucial role, averaging 43.9 at a strike rate of 207. This year, those numbers have plummeted to an average of 15.3 and a strike rate of 100. The middle order, featuring retained players Venkatesh Iyer, Rinku Singh, Andre Russell, and Ramandeep Singh, has struggled as well, averaging just 17.22 with a strike rate of 117.3. Additionally, KKR’s vulnerability to short-pitched deliveries has been exposed—nine of their 12 dismissals to pace bowling have come from balls pitched between 8 and 10 meters or shorter.
KKR dominated SRH in IPL 2024, winning all three encounters—the league match, the first qualifier, and the final. Their dominance extends further, having won eight of the last ten meetings between the two sides. However, KKR have struggled in the powerplay this season. Their run rate of 7.8 is the second-lowest among all teams, ahead of only CSK’s 7.4. Additionally, their powerplay bowling has been ineffective, with a strike rate of 54—the joint worst in IPL 2025.
Last season, both teams were known for their high-scoring performances, but Thursday’s encounter could turn into a low-scoring affair. The long-standing standoff between KKR and the Eden Gardens pitch curator appears to have ended, with the franchise seemingly getting its way. Ahead of the match, two pitches were prepared—a dry surface and an even drier one—and KKR were reportedly given the final say on which to play on. They have opted for the driest option. While IPL regulations prohibit franchises from directly influencing pitch preparation, KKR are not alone in voicing concerns over home conditions. Chennai Super Kings and Lucknow Super Giants have also recently raised similar issues.
KKR mentor Dwayne Bravo made his stance clear ahead of the game—assess the conditions and adapt accordingly, regardless of the pitch. While his message was directed at his players, it could also be seen as a subtle warning to Sunrisers Hyderabad, a team that has thrived on flat tracks since last season but now faces a different kind of challenge.
Though SRH’s spin attack may not be the most threatening on paper, their batting strength against spin remains formidable. KKR’s strategy to climb out of the bottom spot by leveraging spin appears sensible, but it also carries the risk of backfiring against Pat Cummins’ side. Last season at this venue, both teams crossed the 200-run mark, but a repeat seems unlikely on Thursday. However, a shift in playing conditions could inject some much-needed variety into a tournament that is increasingly becoming a boundary-hitting spectacle, bordering on predictability.
SRH, on the other hand, have endured disappointing powerplays in both batting and bowling. While Abhishek Sharma has looked in good touch, he has managed only 31 runs across three innings. In matches against Lucknow Super Giants and Delhi Capitals, their aggressive approach backfired, leading to below-par totals. Their pace attack, which was expected to be a strength, has struggled in the first six overs, recording the worst powerplay economy (11.4) among all teams this season. Despite boasting the likes of Pat Cummins, Mohammed Shami, and Harshal Patel, SRH’s fast bowlers have an economy rate of 11.7—only marginally better than Rajasthan Royals’ pacers (11.8), who have been the least effective in the tournament so far.
Despite grappling with similar challenges, KKR and SRH have adopted contrasting approaches. Following their last defeat, SRH captain Pat Cummins affirmed that his team would stick to their aggressive batting strategy. In contrast, KKR mentor Dwayne Bravo emphasized on the eve of the match that their batters need to go beyond sheer aggression and adopt a more strategic, crafty approach. Thursday’s clash will reveal which philosophy proves more effective.
Adam Zampa’s return to the IPL comes on the back of an impressive run of form since 2024. In 50 matches during this period, he has picked up 76 wickets at a strike rate of 14.3 and an economy rate of 7.7. His effectiveness is particularly evident in the middle overs (7-16), where he has bowled 80% of his overs since 2024. Given SRH’s struggles with their bowling attack, especially in controlling the game during the crucial middle phase, Zampa’s skill set could provide much-needed stability. With his ability to break partnerships and keep the run rate in check, it might be time for him to become a permanent fixture in SRH’s playing XI.
Travis Head has been a destructive force against pace, boasting the second-highest strike rate (206) since IPL 2024 among batters with a minimum of 100 balls faced. His opening partner, Abhishek Sharma, has been just as explosive, recording the best IPL strike rate (206) for the first ten deliveries of an innings (min. 75 balls). Meanwhile, Heinrich Klaasen has handled KKR’s spin duo well. He has never been dismissed by Sunil Narine in five IPL innings, scoring 34 runs off 22 balls. Against Varun Chakravarthy, he has accumulated 35 runs off 20 balls but has fallen once.
SRH’s success is closely tied to their opening duo’s performance in the powerplay. When both Head and Abhishek survive the first six overs, SRH win 80% of their matches. The win rate drops to 71% if one of them is dismissed and plummets to just 17% when both are out early.
Kolkata Knight Riders vs Sunrisers Hyderabad: Head-to-head
KKR have dominated SRH historically, holding a 19-9 head-to-head advantage. Since 2020, they have emerged victorious in nine of their last 11 encounters.
- Matches Played: 28
- Won by Kolkata Knight Riders: 18
- Won by Sunrisers Hyderabad: 9
- Tied: 1
- No Result: 0
- First-ever Fixture: April 14, 2013
- Most-recent Fixture: May 26, 2024
Kolkata Knight Riders vs Sunrisers Hyderabad: Pitch Report and Weather Conditions
A dry pitch is expected, which could challenge SRH despite their limited spin-bowling resources. However, their batting lineup is well-prepared to handle spin, a test they are likely to face.
The Eden Gardens surface has been a talking point recently. In the season opener against RCB, the pitch did not work in KKR’s favor, prompting captain Rahane to request a slower track suited to their spinners. For this match, two pitches have been prepared, both with minimal grass, indicating that KKR’s preference may have been accommodated.
Kolkata Knight Riders vs Sunrisers Hyderabad: Team News and Predicted XI
Kolkata Knight Riders – Team News
Anrich Nortje is approaching full fitness, as stated by Dwayne Bravo, but he is unlikely to feature in the upcoming match. Meanwhile, Moeen Ali could be introduced as the third spin option, replacing Spencer Johnson, who has failed to make a significant impact so far.
Ali’s inclusion would also strengthen KKR’s batting, which has struggled to find form this season.
Kolkata Knight Riders – Predicted XI
- Sunil Narine
- Quinton de Kock (wk)
- Ajinkya Rahane (capt)
- Venkatesh Iyer
- Angkrish Raghuvanshi
- Rinku Singh
- Andre Russell
- Ramandeep Singh
- Harshit Rana
- Spencer Johnson/Moeen Ali
- Harshit Rana
- Vaibhav Arora
Sunrisers Hyderabad – Team News
SRH have no reported injuries and are likely to stick with their primary XII, though the pitch conditions could influence their selection between Adam Zampa, Wiaan Mulder, seamer Simarjeet Singh, or spinner Zeeshan Ansari.
Pat Cummins has a strong record against Sunil Narine, having dismissed him twice in just seven deliveries in the IPL, which might prompt an early introduction into the attack. Additionally, with several left-handers in KKR’s lineup, Travis Head could have a bigger role to play with the ball.
Sunrisers Hyderabad – Predicted XI
- Travis Head
- Abhishek Sharma
- Ishan Kishan
- Nitish Kumar Reddy
- Aniket Verma
- Heinrich Klaasen (wk)
- Abhinav Manohar
- Pat Cummins (capt)
- Wiaan Mulder/Adam Zampa
- Harshal Patel
- Mohammed Shami
- Simarjeet Singh/Zeeshan Ansari
Kolkata Knight Riders vs Sunrisers Hyderabad: Players To Watch Out
Andre Russell (Kolkata Knight Riders)
Since the conclusion of IPL 2024, Andre Russell has struggled for form, managing just 586 runs in 41 T20 matches at an average of 18.9. His struggles have continued into IPL 2025, where he has scored only nine runs in two innings so far.
Last season, however, Russell was a key finisher for KKR, averaging 31.20 with a strike rate of 185 at the death. Notably, his highest score of IPL 2024—an unbeaten 64—came against SRH at Eden Gardens.
Aniket Verma (Sunrisers Hyderabad)
Nitish Kumar Reddy was SRH’s standout domestic performer in 2024, and this season, the team has unearthed another exciting talent in Aniket Verma. Despite wickets falling around him, the INR 30 lakh recruit has displayed fearless hitting. His 13-ball 36 against LSG was just a glimpse of his potential, which he fully showcased with a blistering 41-ball 74 against DC.
Aniket has been one of the most destructive batters against spin in IPL 2025, striking at 238 and finding the boundary every three balls. His 11 sixes off spinners are second only to Nicholas Pooran’s 12. With KKR boasting Sunil Narine and Varun Chakravarthy in their attack, can Aniket maintain his dominance?
Kolkata Knight Riders vs Sunrisers Hyderabad: Prediction
Scenario 1
- Toss: Kolkata Knight Riders win the toss and bowl
- Powerplay Score: 70-80
- Sunrisers Hyderabad Total: 200-220
- Match Result: Kolkata Knight Riders win the match
Scenario 2
- Toss: Sunrisers Hyderabad win the toss and bowl
- Powerplay Score: 80-90
- Kolkata Knight Riders Total: 220-240
- Match Result: Sunrisers Hyderabad win the match
When and Where To Watch Kolkata Knight Riders vs Sunrisers Hyderabad LIVE? Broadcast and Streaming Details
The Indian Premier League 2025 clash between Kolkata Knight Riders and Sunrisers Hyderabad is set to begin at 7:30 PM IST on Thursday, April 3, at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata. The match will be broadcast live on the Star Sports network and will also be available for live streaming on JioHotstar for FREE.
Read More: ISL 2024-25 Semi-final: Bengaluru FC Secure Commanding Advantage with 2-0 Win Over FC Goa
FAQs
How has KKR performed against SRH in recent IPL seasons?
KKR holds a strong record against SRH, winning 19 of their 28 encounters. Since 2020, they have dominated with nine wins in 11 matches.
Why has KKR struggled in IPL 2025 despite being defending champions?
KKR’s struggles stem from their poor powerplay performance, declining opening partnership stats, and vulnerability to short-pitched bowling.
What are SRH’s key concerns in IPL 2025?
SRH has struggled with powerplay bowling, recording the worst economy rate (11.4). Their aggressive batting has also backfired in multiple games.
Will the pitch at Eden Gardens favor KKR or SRH?
The dry pitch at Eden Gardens is expected to aid spin, potentially favoring KKR’s Narine-Chakravarthy duo, but SRH’s batters have been strong against spinners.
Which SRH player has been the most destructive against spin in IPL 2025?
Aniket Verma has excelled against spin, striking at 238 and hitting 11 sixes, second only to Nicholas Pooran.
