Kolkata Cavaliers Riders vs Rajasthan Royals | KKR vs RR Live Score Update, IPL Cricket 2025: Front

Defending champion Kolkata Cavaliers Riders (KKR) rides to regain confidence as they face Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the important IPL 2025 conflict held in Eden today. With four league games left, KKR's path is simple but tough – winning all four points, reaching 17 points and getting a spot in the top four.

Their remaining fixtures include home matches against Rajasthan and Chennai Super Kings, followed by a away match against Sunrisers Hyderabad and a revival Royal Challenger Bengaluru. Despite the loss of momentum of SRH, the RCB struggled to win a playoff spot, which could make the last game a virtual knockout.

Before thinking too far, KKR's direct focus will be on back-to-back games in Eden, starting with the Rajasthan Royals struggling in the playoffs.

Despite being eliminated, both RR and CSK will destroy the Knights' party. But KKR's challenge goes beyond the opposition – their form at home has been paying attention. Eden Gardens, once a stronghold, won only one KKR victory in five attempts this season.

Home spinning mills struggle with inconsistent grip and bounce, and the sides of the visiting adapted to better shape. The batting unit is also underrated compared to last year’s award form.

Terminator Rinku Singh didn't meet expectations and scored only 169 points in eight innings. Quinton de Kock brought in to fill the gap left by Phil Salt, winning just 143 runs in seven games.

Venkatesh Iyer has been under pressure after re-signing for Rs 23.75 crore and promoted to vice captain. He only scored 142 runs in 10 games, which fell from last season's 370-shot car.

The most stable KKR batsman Ajinkya Rahane of the season is recovering from a hand injury.

The last 14 wins of the Delhi capital have deprived the team of morale, with Sunil Narine playing a key role – 27 eliminations of 16 goals with 3/29 and a knockout match with a direct hit. His full impact is once again crucial.

Rajasthan Royals, on the other hand, have won only one victory in their last seven games. Injury and auction strategy flaws have led to their early exit.

While the century of 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi was an outstanding moment, the team cannot rely on this personal glory. The absence of Jos Buttler and Sanju Samson makes the batting order thin.

Yashasvi Jaiswal has been consistent at the top, but the intermediate order, including Hetmyer, Jurel and Rana, has been struggling. Jurel had 249 runs in 10 innings, Hetmyer averaged 20.77, while Rana failed to find the rhythm.

Bowling concerns continue. Without Yuzvendra Chahal, who is now with the Punjab Kings, RR lacks strike options. The availability of Wanindu Hasaranga remains uncertain due to niggle.

Jofra Archer scored 10 wickets in 11 games but averaged 40.10, and Maheesh Theekshana didn't meet expectations either.

Team

Kolkata Knight Riders: Ajinkya Rahane (c), Rinku Singh, Quinton de Kock (wk), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Rovman Powell, Manish Pandey, Luvnith Sisodia, Venkatesh Iyer, Anukul Roy, ​​Moeen Ali, Ramandeep Singh, Andre Russell, Anrich Nortje, Vaibhav Arora, Mayank Markande, Spencer Johnson, Harshit Rana, Sunil Narine, Varun Chakaravarthy, Chetan Sakariya.

Rajasthan Royals: Sanju Samson (c), Riyan Parag, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shimron Hetmyer, Shubham Dubey, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Dhruv Jurel (wk), Kunal Singh Rathore, Yudhvir Singh Charak, Nitish Rana, Sandeep Sharma, Tushar Deshpande, Akash Madhwal, Kumar Kartikeya, Kwena Maphaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Ashok Sharma, Jofra Archer.