Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are set to face Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in a very important IPL 2025 match at Eden Gardens on Wednesday, May 7. This game is do-or-die for KKR. If they don’t win, their chances of making the playoffs will almost be over.
KKR had a big win over CSK earlier this season, beating them by eight wickets. Even though CSK has a better overall head-to-head record (19 wins to KKR’s 11), the current form clearly favours Kolkata.
CSK Are Struggling
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CSK have had a poor season. They have only won two out of eleven games so far. Even in their last match, they showed fight, almost chasing down 214 against RCB but fell short by just two runs. They will come into this game playing for pride, not points.
KKR Riding a Small Winning Streak
KKR, on the other hand, have won their last two matches. These victories came against Delhi Capitals and Rajasthan Royals. This is their first winning streak of the season, and they will want to continue that momentum. However, they should not take CSK lightly.
Now, let’s look at what KKR must do to stay alive in the tournament.
1. Sunil Narine Must Take Wickets
Sunil Narine is still KKR’s most important bowler. When he performs well, KKR usually wins. But he has not taken a wicket in five out of ten matches this season. KKR lost three of those five games and gave away over 200 runs in most of them.
Earlier this season against CSK, Narine took 3 wickets for just 13 runs and also scored a quick 44 with the bat. He was the Player of the Match. His past record against CSK is also excellent, with an economy under 6 and an average below 18 in wins.
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KKR need Narine to step up again. Even one or two key wickets from him can make a big difference in this high-pressure game.
2. Use Andre Russell Better
Andre Russell is a game-changer with both bat and ball. Last season, he helped KKR a lot. But this year, things haven’t gone his way. In 11 matches, he has scored just 161 runs and taken 8 wickets.
One big problem is how KKR are using him. He often comes to bat too late, when there are very few balls left. In the last match against RR, he came in earlier and scored 57* off 25 balls. That won the game.
Also, Russell has bowled only 14 overs this season even though his average is just above 20. He has been very useful when he bowls, but KKR are not giving him enough chances. In such a crucial match, Russell must bat higher and bowl more overs.
3. Fix the Fourth Overseas Slot Smartly
KKR have not been able to settle on their fourth overseas player. Spencer Johnson, Moeen Ali, Anrich Nortje, and Rovman Powell have all played, but no one has grabbed the spot fully.
This time, KKR could bring back Nortje or Johnson. CSK are expected to start with two young Indian openers Ayush Mhatre and Shaik Rasheed who may struggle against genuine pace. If Nortje or Johnson strikes early, it can give Narine and Varun Chakaravarthy the upper hand later in the game.
Nortje has only played one match this season but did well. His speed could trouble CSK’s middle order too.
Also Read: Gautam Gambhir Demands Total Boycott Of India-Pakistan Cricket Matches
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