The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 is shaping up to be a season full of high-intensity cricket, and Match 15 between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at Eden Gardens, Kolkata was no different. The iconic venue witnessed KKR’s clinical performance, as they outclassed SRH by a massive 80 runs.
A stellar batting display from Venkatesh Iyer and Angkrish Raghuvanshi, combined with a ruthless bowling attack, ensured that KKR bounced back emphatically in the tournament. The win not only boosted KKR’s net run rate but also reaffirmed their status as one of the strongest teams in IPL 2025.
Let’s take a closer look at how the action unfolded.
KKR’s Batting Brilliance Sets the Tone
After SRH won the toss and opted to bowl first, KKR had a shaky start, losing early wickets. However, a composed middle-order performance and a fiery finish propelled them to a daunting total.
Early Blows for KKR
KKR’s opening duo, Quinton de Kock (1 off 4 balls) and Sunil Narine (7 off 5 balls), failed to give their team a strong start. De Kock fell early to a sharp delivery from Mohammad Shami, while Narine mistimed a big shot off Pat Cummins, leaving KKR struggling at 15/2 in the third over.
At this stage, Ajinkya Rahane and Angkrish Raghuvanshi stepped up to steady the innings.
Rahane and Angkrish Build a Strong Foundation
KKR’s skipper, Ajinkya Rahane, played a captain’s knock, scoring 38 off 27 balls, including four massive sixes. His ability to find the gaps and rotate the strike ensured that the innings didn’t lose momentum despite the early setbacks.
On the other end, Angkrish Raghuvanshi displayed exceptional temperament and stroke-making ability. The young batter brought up his maiden IPL fifty, scoring 50 off 32 balls. His innings was laced with five boundaries and two sixes, showcasing his fearless approach.
By the time Rahane departed, KKR had recovered to 98/3 in the 11th over, setting the stage for a blistering finish.
Venkatesh Iyer’s Explosive Knock Takes KKR to 200
The standout performance of the innings came from Venkatesh Iyer, who played an electrifying knock of 60 off just 29 balls. His innings featured seven fours and three sixes, as he took the attack to the SRH bowlers.
Iyer’s fearless approach completely shifted the momentum in KKR’s favor. His partnership with Rinku Singh (32 off 17 balls) in the death overs proved to be the final blow for SRH’s bowling attack.
Thanks to these efforts, KKR finished with a strong total of 200/6 in 20 overs, giving their bowlers a solid target to defend.
SRH’s Struggles with the Ball
Despite the onslaught, Mohammad Shami and Zeeshan Ansari were the most economical bowlers for SRH:
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Mohammad Shami – 1/29 in 4 overs
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Zeeshan Ansari – 1/25 in 3 overs
However, Pat Cummins (1/44 in 4 overs) had a tough outing, leaking runs at crucial moments. His inability to contain the set batters in the death overs hurt SRH significantly.
SRH’s Batting Collapse Under Pressure
Chasing 201 for victory, SRH needed a strong start, but KKR’s ruthless bowling attack ensured that never happened.
Early Wickets Leave SRH in Shambles
SRH’s top order crumbled under Vaibhav Arora’s fiery spell, as the team found themselves in deep trouble at 8/3 in 2.1 overs.
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Travis Head (4 off 6 balls) was the first to go, falling to Vaibhav Arora, who trapped him with an inswinging delivery.
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Abhishek Sharma (2 off 5 balls) failed to find any rhythm and perished in the very next over.
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Ishan Kishan (2 off 4 balls) tried to break free but ended up playing a loose shot, leading to a stunning catch by Ajinkya Rahane at cover.
With their top three batters back in the pavilion, SRH needed a miracle to stage a comeback.
Klaasen and Mendis Try to Fight Back
Amidst the collapse, Heinrich Klaasen (33 off 21 balls) tried to counterattack. His innings, featuring four boundaries and two sixes, was the only real resistance from SRH’s batting lineup.
Kamindu Mendis (27 off 22 balls) provided some support, but their 46-run partnership wasn’t enough to revive SRH’s chase.
KKR’s Bowlers Seal the Dominant Victory
Once Klaasen fell, SRH completely fell apart. Their lower order couldn’t handle the pressure, and the team was bowled out for just 120 in 16.4 overs, handing KKR an emphatic 80-run win.
KKR’s Bowling Stars
KKR’s bowlers were in sensational form, with Varun Chakaravarthy and Vaibhav Arora leading the attack:
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Varun Chakaravarthy: 3/22 in 4 overs
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Vaibhav Arora: 3/29 in 4 overs
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Andre Russell: 2/24 in 3 overs
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Harshit Rana: 1/18 in 2.4 overs
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Sunil Narine: 1/23 in 3 overs
Each bowler played a crucial role, ensuring that SRH never found a foothold in the game.
Key Takeaways from the Match
1. KKR’s Balanced Performance
KKR showed why they are a title-contending side in IPL 2025. Their batters posted a formidable total, and their bowlers executed their plans perfectly.
2. SRH’s Batting Woes Continue
Despite having a power-packed batting lineup, SRH failed to handle the pressure. Their over-reliance on Klaasen and Travis Head is becoming a concern.
3. Young Angkrish Raghuvanshi Impresses
KKR’s decision to back Angkrish Raghuvanshi paid off as the youngster delivered a crucial fifty under pressure. He could be the next big find for KKR.
4. KKR’s Bowling Unit Looks Dangerous
With Varun Chakaravarthy, Vaibhav Arora, and Sunil Narine in top form, KKR’s bowling attack looks one of the best in IPL 2025.
What’s Next for KKR and SRH?
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR):
With this dominant win, KKR will be brimming with confidence. They will look to build on this momentum and establish themselves firmly in the top half of the points table.
Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH):
SRH, on the other hand, need to go back to the drawing board. Their batting unit, apart from Klaasen, has failed to fire, and captain Pat Cummins needs to find a way to inspire his team.
Final Thoughts
KKR’s 80-run victory over SRH was a perfect example of teamwork and execution. From Venkatesh Iyer’s explosive batting to Varun Chakaravarthy’s magical spell, everything clicked for the two-time IPL champions.
With such a dominant performance, KKR have sent a strong message to the rest of the teams in IPL 2025. If they continue playing like this, a third IPL title might not be too far away!
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