In the final league match of the IPL 2025 at Eden Gardens, CSK vs. KKR, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) managed a fighting total of 179 for 6 against Chennai Super Kings (CSK). On a pitch famous for supporting spinners, CSK grabbed a convincing victory by 2 wickets and 2 balls to spare.
KKR Seizes Early Despite Gurbaz’s Early Departure
Choosing to bat first in the CSK vs KKR IPL 2025 match, KKR sought to take advantage of the fielding limitations during the powerplay. Rahmanullah Gurbaz gave the innings a fast start before getting out for 11 off 9 balls. Although his stay was short, it established the tone for an attacking strategy.
Narine and Rahane Lead Powerplay Charge
Sunil Narine and Ajinkya Rahane took the momentum forward, taking KKR to 67 for 1 in six overs. Their strokeplay was forceful with eight boundaries and two sixes, but both seemed apprehensive in handling the turning ball. Rahane was given a let-off when Matheesha Pathirana dropped him at long leg, and Narine carried his good batting against spin, especially targeting R Ashwin in the fifth over.
CSK Spinners Turn the Tables Post-Powerplay
As the ground opened up and spin was unleashed in full fury, KKR struggled to find runs. CSK’s three spinners, Noor Ahmad, R Ashwin, and Ravindra Jadeja, strangled the run rate and picked important wickets. The four overs after the powerplay saw no boundaries and resulted in two significant dismissals, Narine stumped, and Angkrish Raghuvanshi caught behind, both to Noor Ahmad in one over.
Noor Ahmad Shines with 4-Wicket Haul
With a pitch providing turn, Noor Ahmad was the star on 4 for 31, making the most of the surface. His spell was at the heart of CSK’s dominance in the middle overs, while the visitors fought their way back in the game.
Rahane Anchors While Russell Fires Late
Rahane and Manish Pandey added a solid 32 off 28 balls, steadying the innings at a difficult time. But it was Andre Russell’s blistering 38 off 21 balls that revived KKR’s innings in the last overs. Though CSK finished well, due to a tight 20th over by Pathirana, KKR added 70 runs in the last six overs to post a decent total.
CSK’s successful chase
The debutant Urvil Patel shone bright in the match by playing a knock of 31 runs in 11 balls and also won the super striker of the match for playing with a strike rate of 281.81. With openers getting dismissed at duck, Ashwin got a promotion to bat subtly at no.4 but got dismissed early as well at 8. Dewald Brevis made a half century and by smashing tons of runs in Vaibhav Arora’s over brought CSK in the game.
Later, Brevis got dismissed unfortunately, and Dhoni came in to bat along with Shivam Dube, who played a stable knock of 45 runs in 40 balls. At the end, Dhoni stood strong on the pitch and finished the game by playing a knock of 17 runs and hitting a six in the last over in a much-needed situation.
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