Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are starting to find their rhythm in IPL 2025, and they’ll look to build on their momentum when they host the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in match 21 of the season at Eden Gardens. Both teams are coming off morale-boosting wins and have an opportunity to solidify their standing in the top half of the table.
KKR produced a clinical performance against Sunrisers Hyderabad, sealing a dominant 80-run victory. Their batting fired on all cylinders, with Ajinkya Rahane and youngster Angkrish Raghuvanshi laying a solid foundation. Venkatesh Iyer then took over with a blazing 60 off 29 balls, while Rinku Singh’s unbeaten 32 off 17 helped them post a formidable 200/5. Their bowling was equally ruthless, with Vaibhav Arora (3/29) striking early and Varun Chakravarthy delivering another masterclass in spin bowling with three wickets.
WATCH – Phil Salt and Tim David Pull Off Spectacular Relay Catch To Stun Mumbai Indians
Meanwhile, LSG showed their grit in a tense 12-run win over the Mumbai Indians. Mitchell Marsh smashed a fluent 60 and Aiden Markram chipped in with a composed 53. However, questions remain around Rishabh Pant’s form. The high-profile captain is yet to make a significant impact, and LSG need him to fire if they’re to make a serious title push.
Key Player Battles to Watch in KKR vs LSG
#1 Mitchell Marsh vs Vaibhav Arora
Mitchell Marsh has been a standout for LSG this season, registering three half-centuries in four innings. Known for his aggressive stroke play, Marsh has the ability to take the game away within the powerplay. However, his only failure came when Punjab Kings’ Arshdeep Singh dismissed him for a duck. KKR will look to replicate that early success through Vaibhav Arora, who’s fresh off a three-wicket haul. Arora’s knack for early breakthroughs will be key if they’re to neutralize Marsh’s threat.
#2 Nicholas Pooran vs Varun Chakravarthy
Nicholas Pooran is enjoying a purple patch in IPL 2025, with two explosive fifties and a solid 40-plus score. The West Indian left-hander loves going after spinners, but he’ll face a stern test against Varun Chakravarthy. The KKR mystery spinner has been pivotal in choking runs and taking crucial wickets. This duel could be decisive — if Varun keeps Pooran quiet, LSG may struggle to post a big total.
#3 Sunil Narine vs Shardul Thakur
The last time these two teams met, Sunil Narine stunned LSG with a blistering 81 off just 39 balls. However, the KKR allrounder has been quiet with the bat in the last couple of games. Still, he remains a game-changer. LSG will be wary of Narine exploding again and will bank on the experienced Shardul Thakur to strike early. Thakur’s variations and knack for breaking partnerships could be crucial in taming Narine’s threat.
