IPL 2025, KKR vs SRH: Kolkata Knight Riders Struggle Against Sunrisers Hyderabad In IPL Match

The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are off to a shaky start in their innings against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the ongoing IPL match . After winning the toss and electing to bat first, KKR lost two early wickets, putting them on the back foot. The SRH bowlers, led by their skipper Pat Cummins , have been disciplined and aggressive, making it difficult for the KKR batters to settle.

A Rocky Start for KKR

The match began with Mohammed Shami opening the attack for SRH. Quinton de Kock , the KKR opener, struggled to find his rhythm early on. In the first over, Shami bowled a swinging delivery down the leg side, which resulted in four leg byes. However, Shami quickly tightened his line and length, keeping de Kock quiet.

The breakthrough came in the second over when Pat Cummins, the SRH captain, introduced himself into the attack. Cummins banged in a short delivery on the middle stump, and de Kock’s attempt to pull it behind square leg ended in a mistimed shot. The ball sailed straight to Zeeshan Ansari at deep square leg, who took a simple catch. De Kock departed for just 1 run, leaving KKR at 14/1.

Sunil Narine’s Brief Cameo

Sunil Narine, known for his explosive batting, tried to counterattack. In the very next ball after de Kock’s dismissal, Narine greeted Cummins with a massive six over deep mid-wicket. However, Narine’s innings was short-lived. In the third over, Shami bowled a fuller delivery outside off, and Narine attempted to carve it over the off side. Instead, he got a thick outside edge, and the ball flew to Heinrich Klaasen, who took a sharp catch diving to his left. Narine was out for 7, and KKR were reduced to 16/2.

Rahane and Raghuvanshi Stabilize the Innings

After the early setbacks, Ajinkya Rahane and Angkrish Raghuvanshi tried to stabilize the innings. Rahane, the KKR skipper, started cautiously but soon found his timing. In the third over, he hit a beautiful six over deep mid-wicket off Cummins, signaling his intent. Raghuvanshi, on the other hand, took a few balls to settle in but soon found his rhythm.

The duo built a steady partnership, adding 50 runs for the third wicket off just 30 balls. Rahane played some elegant shots, including a six off Harpreet Singh in the fifth over. Raghuvanshi, not to be left behind, hit a glorious boundary off Harshal Patel in the seventh over, bringing up the 50-run partnership.

Key Moments of the Game

• Quinton de Kock’s early dismissal for 1 (6) in the second over.
• Sunil Narine’s brief cameo of 7 (5), including a six off Pat Cummins.
• Ajinkya Rahane’s six off Cummins in the third over.
• Angkrish Raghuvanshi’s boundary off Harshal Patel in the seventh over.
• The 50-run partnership between Rahane and Raghuvanshi off 30 balls.

Strategic Time-Out and Powerplay

KKR reached 53/2 at the end of the Powerplay, thanks to some aggressive batting from Rahane and Raghuvanshi. The mandatory Powerplay (1-6 overs) saw KKR lose two wickets but also score some crucial boundaries. The strategic time-out was taken after the seventh over, with KKR at 61/2.

As the match progresses, KKR will be looking to build on the foundation laid by Rahane and Raghuvanshi. The SRH bowlers, however, will be aiming to break this partnership and put more pressure on the KKR middle order. With the game finely poised, the next few overs could be crucial in determining the outcome of the match.