Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are set to clash with Gujarat Titans (GT) in Match 39 of IPL 2025, scheduled for April 21 at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata. With GT sitting comfortably at the top of the table and KKR struggling for consistency, this promises to be a high-stakes encounter. The surface at Eden Gardens has been a paradise for batters this season, but it hasn’t completely abandoned the bowlers.
Seamers and spinners have found occasional grip and bounce, making it a venue where a well-rounded game plan can win matches. The captain winning the toss will likely choose to bat first and post a challenging total under lights. KKR are still licking their wounds after a frustrating 16-run defeat to Punjab Kings. Chasing a modest 111-run target, they folded for just 95.
With only three wins from seven matches, they find themselves sixth on the table and desperately need momentum. In contrast, the Gujarat Titans have surged ahead, thanks to a commanding run-chase against the Delhi Capitals in their last outing. Chasing 204, Jos Buttler’s unbeaten 97 steered them home in style. That win took their tally to five wins in seven games, reinforcing their dominance this season.
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Historically, these two sides have only met three times in the IPL. GT lead the head-to-head 2-1, with KKR’s only win coming in that unforgettable 2023 clash where Rinku Singh hammered five sixes off Yash Dayal in the final over at Ahmedabad.
Player matchups in this fixture could once again decide the fate of the game.
#1 Andre Russell vs Rashid Khan
While Rashid Khan hasn’t quite found his rhythm in IPL 2025, the Afghan leggie still possesses the quality to trouble even the most destructive batters. He has dismissed Russell three times in eight innings, and the KKR all-rounder strikes at just 109.09 against him — an uncharacteristically modest number for someone known for clearing boundaries at will.
#2 Shubman Gill vs Anrich Nortje
There’s the high-voltage duel between GT skipper Shubman Gill and KKR pacer Anrich Nortje. The Proteas speedster has dismissed Shubman Gill four times in just seven innings, although Gill has also managed a brisk strike rate of 152.00. Expect fireworks early if these two cross paths.
#3 Jos Buttler vs Sunil Narine
Jos Buttler is coming off a sensational unbeaten 97* and has looked in sublime touch. However, Narine has kept him relatively quiet over the years. In 10 IPL innings, the West Indian has dismissed him only once but has kept things tight, with Buttler scoring just 61 runs off 57 balls at a strike rate of 107.01.
