IPL 2025: Kolkata Knight Riders’ struggling middle order finally stepped up as Venkatesh Iyer answered his critics with a quick 50 off just 25 balls. Young batter Angkrish Raghuvanshi also impressed with a well-made half-century, helping KKR post a total of 200/6 against Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL on Thursday.
IPL 2025: Early Setback for KKR as Openers Struggle
KKR’s new opening pair had a tough time once again, with Quinton de Kock scoring just 1 run and Sunil Narine getting out for 7 after SRH chose to bowl first. However, skipper Ajinkya Rahane (38 off 27 balls) and Raghuvanshi (50 off 32 balls, 5 fours, 2 sixes) built a crucial 81-run partnership, setting up a strong total for their team.
SRH made a strong comeback in the middle overs when 26-year-old Sri Lankan debutant Kamindu Mendis created a rare moment in IPL history by bowling with both hands in the same over.
IPL 2025: Ajinkya Rahane and Angkrish Raghuvanshi Lead the Recovery
Mendis first used left-arm spin against Angkrish Raghuvanshi and then switched to off-spin when facing the left-handed Rinku Singh. His over turned out to be crucial as he dismissed Raghuvanshi, slowing down KKR’s momentum.
After a brief slowdown, Venkatesh Iyer (60 off 29) and Rinku Singh (32* off 17) brought KKR’s innings back to life.
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Venkatesh Iyer broke the dry spell with a pull shot off a Simarjeet beamer, while Rinku smashed three consecutive boundaries off Harshal Patel. The duo then punished Simarjeet, with Rinku launching a huge six to end a 17-run over.
Venkatesh Iyer was unstoppable against Pat Cummins in the 19th over, smashing four consecutive boundaries. KKR exploded in the final five overs, adding 78 runs to cross the 200-run mark for the first time this season.
Pat Cummins gave SRH an early breakthrough in the third over, forcing Quinton de Kock to mistime a short ball to deep midwicket. Soon after, Mohammed Shami removed an out of form Sunil Narine with a wide yorker that edged behind.
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With KKR struggling at 16 for 2 in 2.3 overs, Ajinkya Rahane and Angkrish Raghuvanshi steadied the innings with an 81 run stand. Rahane broke free with two powerful pull shots for sixes off Shami and Cummins, taking KKR to 53 for 2.
Lighting up Eden Gardens with some fireworks 💥
Sit back and enjoy Rinku Singh and Venkatesh Iyer's super striking 🍿👏
5⃣0⃣ up for Iyer in the process!
Updates ▶ https://t.co/jahSPzdeys#TATAIPL | #KKRvSRH | @KKRiders pic.twitter.com/AAAqnOsRy8
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 3, 2025
Raghuvanshi played elegant strokes, finding gaps with well placed drives. His best shots came against Zeeshan Ansari, a lofted six over long off and a smart reverse hit past backward point. He reached his fifty in just 30 balls but soon lost his partner as Rahane gloved a reverse sweep to Heinrich Klaasen in the same over.
Cummins’ choice to limit spin on a pitch with variable bounce was questionable. Leg spinner Ansari bowled only three overs for 25 runs and took one wicket, while Kamindu Mendis was not given another over despite his game changing spell.
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