The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) are set to clash at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, in a crucial encounter of IPL 2025. The two teams last met in the IPL 2024 final, where they delivered a thrilling contest. However, this season hasn’t started on a great note for either side. KKR are languishing at the bottom of the table after three games, while SRH are only marginally better, sitting two spots above them.
With both teams desperate for a win, this match promises to be a high-stakes battle. However, a significant factor influencing the contest will be the pitch, which KKR have ensured is as dry as possible. This decision could tilt the game in their favor, but it might also backfire given SRH’s batting prowess against spin.
Let’s dive into a detailed match preview, pitch report, key players, head-to-head record, and final match prediction.
Match Details
Match: Kolkata Knight Riders vs Sunrisers Hyderabad, IPL 2025
Date: Thursday, April 3, 2025
Time: 7:30 PM IST
Venue: Eden Gardens, Kolkata
Pitch Report & Conditions
The pitch at Eden Gardens has been a talking point leading up to this match. While KKR initially had disagreements with the curator regarding the pitch conditions, they have now managed to get a surface of their choice—extremely dry and expected to assist spinners.
Unlike last season, when this venue produced high-scoring games with totals exceeding 200, a slow and turning track is anticipated for this encounter. This could make stroke-making difficult and bring spinners into play. The powerplay overs will be crucial for both teams, as scoring runs freely later in the innings might become challenging.
Pitch Type: Dry & spin-friendly
Expected Score: 150-170 could be a competitive total
Weather: Clear skies with no chance of rain
Head-to-Head Record
Historically, KKR have dominated SRH in the IPL. Out of the 28 encounters between these two teams, KKR have won 19 matches, while SRH have managed just 9 victories. Since 2020, KKR have won 9 out of the 11 matches played against SRH, further highlighting their superiority in this rivalry.
However, SRH will be eager to turn things around, especially with their batting lineup capable of countering spin effectively.
Team Previews & Probable Playing XI
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)
KKR have had a disappointing start to IPL 2025, struggling with both bat and ball. Their batting lineup, despite having firepower in the form of Andre Russell and Rinku Singh, has failed to fire consistently. Sunil Narine has also been ineffective with the ball, going wicketless in more than half of his matches against SRH in the past.
The inclusion of Moeen Ali as an additional spin option might help them capitalize on the conditions. Anrich Nortje is still recovering and is unlikely to feature in this match.
Probable Playing XI:
Sunil Narine
Quinton de Kock (wk)
Ajinkya Rahane (c)
Angkrish Raghuvanshi
Venkatesh Iyer
Rinku Singh
Andre Russell
Ramandeep Singh
Moeen Ali
Harshit Rana
Varun Chakravarthy
Key Players to Watch:
Varun Chakravarthy – Expected to thrive on a spin-friendly surface.
Rinku Singh – Has the ability to play game-changing cameos in the middle order.
Andre Russell – A dangerous all-rounder who can turn the game with both bat and ball.
Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)
SRH have had a mixed start to IPL 2025. While their batting has been explosive, their bowling remains a concern. In IPL 2024, they had the worst bowling average (37.54) and the second-worst economy rate (9.89). Their bowling woes have continued this season, as they have conceded runs at an alarming rate.
Despite their weak bowling attack, SRH’s batting lineup is dangerous, especially in the powerplay, where they have the best scoring rate this season (11.88 runs per over). However, they have also lost the most wickets (7) in this phase.
Probable Playing XI:
Abhishek Sharma
Travis Head
Ishan Kishan (wk)
Nitish Reddy
Heinrich Klaasen
Aniket Verma
Abhinav Manohar
Pat Cummins (c)
Harshal Patel
Mohammed Shami
Adam Zampa / Rahul Chahar
Key Players to Watch:
Travis Head – In top form and crucial against spin-heavy KKR.
Pat Cummins – Has a good record against Sunil Narine and could be used early in the attack.
Heinrich Klaasen – One of the best finishers in T20 cricket, especially against spin.
Key Battles to Watch
Varun Chakravarthy vs SRH Top Order
KKR’s main weapon on this pitch will be their spin attack, and Varun Chakravarthy could be the biggest threat to SRH’s aggressive batters. If he can strike early, KKR could restrict SRH to a manageable total.
Pat Cummins vs Sunil Narine
Cummins has dismissed Narine twice in just seven deliveries in the IPL. If Narine opens the batting, expect Cummins to attack him early with short-pitched deliveries.
Rinku Singh vs Harshal Patel
Rinku Singh has been a finisher for KKR, but Harshal Patel has the ability to deceive batters with his slower balls. This battle in the death overs could be crucial in deciding the match.
Match Prediction
Why KKR Could Win:
Home advantage and familiarity with the conditions.
A spin-friendly pitch that suits their bowling attack.
Dominant head-to-head record against SRH.
Why SRH Could Win:
Explosive batting lineup capable of countering spin.
Pat Cummins’ leadership and bowling prowess.
KKR’s fragile middle order, which has struggled this season.
Final Verdict:
Given the dry pitch and the advantage of playing at home, KKR seem better suited to exploit the conditions. Their spinners, especially Varun Chakravarthy and Moeen Ali, could make life difficult for SRH’s batters. While SRH’s power-hitters might still pose a threat, KKR’s superior spin attack and head-to-head dominance make them slight favorites for this encounter.
Prediction: Kolkata Knight Riders to win in a low-scoring thriller.
Betting Tips on Reddy Anna Book
For those looking to place bets on Reddy Anna Book, here are some smart betting tips:
Best Bet: KKR to win (Based on pitch conditions and spin advantage)
Safe Bet: Varun Chakravarthy to take 2+ wickets
Risky Bet: Rinku Singh to score 30+ runs in the death overs
This match promises to be a tactical battle rather than a high-scoring run-fest. Whether KKR’s gamble on a slow pitch works or SRH’s power-packed batting lineup overcomes the challenge, fans are in for a thrilling contest!
