Sunday, May 4, is set for an exciting double-header, starting with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) hosting Rajasthan Royals (RR) at Eden Gardens in an afternoon match. With RR already eliminated from contention, KKR is keenly seeking two vital points. Despite playing at their home ground, KKR have struggled at Eden Gardens this season, managing only three points from eight. However, having just secured a much-needed win over Delhi Capitals, KKR might find the momentum to turn things around. For RR, the match is more about pride, and they might sit out Sanju Samson to manage his workload, while Sandeep Sharma is already ruled out for the season due to injury.
KKR vs RR: Match Details
- Match: Kolkata Knight Riders vs Rajasthan Royals, Match 53, IPL 2025
- Date: May 4, 2025
- Time: 3:30 PM IST
- Venue: Eden Gardens, Kolkata
- Broadcast: Star Sports Network, JioHotstar (app & website)
KKR vs RR: Recent Form
Kolkata Knight Riders
KKR have not lost three of their last six matches, including a dominant performance against Delhi Capitals in their previous outing. Sunil Narine continues to be their MVP—providing starts at the top and breakthroughs with the ball. Their bowling attack, led by Varun Chakravarthy and Vaibhav Arora, has been particularly effective in the middle overs. With playoff hopes alive, KKR are peaking at the right time.
Rajasthan Royals
RR’s campaign has spiraled with just three wins from ten matches. Their PowerPlay batting—led by Yashasvi Jaiswal and Vaibhav Suryavanshi—has been explosive, but the middle order has lacked consistency. The absence of Sanju Samson and death bowling woes have added to their struggles.
Eden Gardens Pitch Report
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Pitch Type | Batting-friendly surface with a dry look and some grass patches |
| Par total | Anything above 180 |
| Weather Forecast | Slightly cloudy, some chances of rain early on |
| Historical Trend | Teams chasing have won 6 of last 8 afternoon games here |
The Eden Gardens pitch continues to be a batting haven, especially in day games. The short square boundaries (62m and 64m) and a fast outfield encourage stroke play. However, spinners can get purchase during the middle overs, especially with dry patches around a good length. Given the afternoon timing, dew won’t be a factor, and captains may still prefer to chase owing to recent trends.
KKR vs RR Head-to-Head Records
| Stat | Matches Won |
|---|---|
| Total Matches | 29 |
| KKR Wins | 15 |
| RR Wins | 14 |
| At Eden Gardens | KKR won 6 out of 10, rest won by RR |
Predicted Playing XIIs: KKR vs RR
Predicted KKR Playing XI with Impact Sub
Sunil Narine, Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ajinkya Rahane (c), Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Venkatesh Iyer, Rinku Singh, Andre Russell, Rovman Powell, Anukul Roy, Harshit Rana, Vaibhav Arora, Varun Chakravarthy (Impact Sub)
Predicted RR Playing XI with Impact Sub
Yashasvi Jaiswal, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Nitish Rana, Riyan Parag (c), Shubham Dubey (Impact Sub), Dhruv Jurel (wk), Shimron Hetmyer, Jofra Archer, Maheesh Theekshana, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Kumar Kartikeya, Akash Madhwal
KKR vs RR Match Prediction: Who will win today’s IPL 2025 match?
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) hold the upper hand heading into this clash. Their balance, form, and desperation for two points outweigh a disjointed Royals squad that is low on morale and short on firepower. The presence of match-winners like Narine, Russell, and Chakravarthy, combined with a solid top order, makes KKR a tough side to beat at home—even if Eden hasn’t been their fortress this year.
Rajasthan will rely on their PowerPlay aggression, with Jaiswal and Suryavanshi in red-hot form. But the lack of finishing strength and an unsettled bowling unit may once again cost them. If Sunil Narine and Varun Chakravarthy get a grip during the middle overs, RR’s middle order could crumble.
With better form, greater squad depth, and momentum on their side, KKR have a 75% chance of winning this contest.
Predicted Winner: Kolkata Knight Riders
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