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The much-anticipated clash between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) is set to take place at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata as Match No. 57 of IPL 2025 . Both teams are under pressure — KKR looking to solidify their playoff hopes with a win on home soil, while CSK aim to end their losing streak and regain confidence after a string of poor performances. The pitch promises high-scoring action, and both sides will look to exploit the batting-friendly conditions. With recent form swings and tactical challenges, this game sets up to be a thrilling encounter.
Match Details
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Match No. | 57 |
| Date & Time | April 18, 2025 |
| Venue | Eden Gardens, Kolkata |
| Teams | Kolkata Knight Riders vs Chennai Super Kings |
| Tournament | Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 |
| Live Broadcast | Star Sports Network / Disney+ Hotstar |
| Weather Forecast | Cloudy skies, 32°C, no rain interruption expected |
Team Previews
Kolkata Knight Riders Preview
Kolkata Knight Riders are slowly gaining momentum after a shaky start to the season. Their last match against Rajasthan Royals was a nail-biting finish where they defended just 103 runs thanks to some disciplined bowling from Harshit Rana and Varun Chakravarthy. Andre Russell’s blistering 57 off 25 balls gave them hope in the middle overs, and Ajinkya Rahane has been consistent at the top of the order. However, their pace attack has struggled with consistency, particularly Vaibhav Arora and Harshit Rana leaking runs at times. Spinners Narine and Chakravarthy remain key wicket-takers. If KKR can tighten their bowling unit and get more support from Venkatesh Iyer and Angkrish Raghuvanshi, they have a strong chance of securing a vital win here.
Key Strengths:
- Strong batting line-up with multiple finishers
- Excellent track record at Eden Gardens
- Experienced spin duo
Concerns:
- Inconsistent fast bowlers
- Lack of death over specialists
Chennai Super Kings Preview
Chennai Super Kings have endured a tough campaign so far, winning only one match in their last five games. Despite that, there are positives to take — Ayush Mhatre’s aggressive 94 off 48 against RCB showcased his potential, and Ravindra Jadeja has shown glimpses of form with the bat. MS Dhoni remains the heartbeat of the team, and Sam Curran continues to contribute with both bat and ball. However, the middle-order inconsistency and lack of breakthrough bowlers continue to haunt them. Khaleel Ahmed and Matheesha Pathirana need to step up in the absence of Deepak Chahar. On a flat surface like Eden Gardens, CSK might fancy their chances if they get starts from their openers and find rhythm in their bowling department.
Key Strengths:
- Experience and leadership under MSD
- Explosive young talents in the batting lineup
- Ability to chase down totals under pressure
Concerns:
- Middle-order collapses
- Bowling lacks penetration and control
Favourite Team to Win Today’s Match
| Team | Why? |
|---|---|
| Kolkata Knight Riders | KKR enjoys the advantage of playing at Eden Gardens, where they’ve won most of their matches this season. They have a stronger batting lineup with better finishers and a more balanced bowling attack. With CSK struggling for consistency, KKR looks like the safer bet to clinch a crucial victory. |
Fantasy Team XI
| Player | Role | Team | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ajinkya Rahane | Batter | KKR | Consistent performer at home; leads from the front |
| Rahmanullah Gurbaz | WK Batter | KKR | Aggressive opener; quick scoring |
| Shaik Rasheed | Batter | CSK | Due for a big knock; decent strike rate |
| Angkrish Raghuvanshi | Batter | KKR | Emerging talent; stable middle-order |
| Andre Russell | All-Rounder | KKR | Finisher; explosive hitter in death overs |
| Ravindra Jadeja | All-Rounder | CSK | Form coming back; good against spin |
| Sam Curran | All-Rounder | CSK | Reliable all-round option |
| Venkatesh Iyer | All-Rounder | KKR | Can provide batting depth and occasional spin |
| Varun Chakravarthy | Bowler | KKR | Key spinner; picks wickets in middle overs |
| Matheesha Pathirana | Bowler | CSK | Fast bowler with swing and control |
| Sunil Narine | Bowler | KKR | Death over specialist; experienced |
Explanation:
This fantasy team balances batsmen who score quickly and bowlers who pick up wickets or restrict runs. Focus is on players in form and those likely to perform well on a batting-friendly pitch.
Captain & Vice-Captain Suggestions
| Role | Player | Team | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|
| Captain | Andre Russell | KKR | Power-hitter, match-winner, plays decisive role in lower order |
| Vice-Captain | Ajinkya Rahane | KKR | Consistency, leadership, and ability to anchor innings |
Players to Avoid in Fantasy Teams
| Player | Team | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Shivam Dube | CSK | Inconsistent performance; not contributing with either bat or ball |
| Vaibhav Arora | KKR | High economy rate; unreliable in death overs |
Squad Lists
Kolkata Knight Riders Squad (Full List):
Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Sunil Narine, Ajinkya Rahane (c), Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Moeen Ali, Venkatesh Iyer, Rinku Singh, Andre Russell, Ramandeep Singh, Shardul Thakur, Anukul Roy, Abhijeet Tomar, Naveen-ul-Haq, Vaibhav Arora, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakravarthy
Chennai Super Kings Squad (Full List):
Shaik Rasheed, Ayush Mhatre, Sam Curran, Ravindra Jadeja, Dewald Brevis, Deepak Hooda, MS Dhoni (c & wk), Ambati Rayudu, Mitchell Santner, Tushar Deshpande, Maheesh Theekshana, Noor Ahmad, Khaleel Ahmed, Anshul Kamboj, Matheesha Pathirana, Shivam Dube
Probable Playing XI
Kolkata Knight Riders (PPI):
| Player | Role |
|---|---|
| Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk) | Opener / Wicket-Keeper |
| Sunil Narine | Opener |
| Ajinkya Rahane (c) | Batter |
| Angkrish Raghuvanshi | Batter |
| Venkatesh Iyer | All-Rounder |
| Rinku Singh | Batter |
| Andre Russell | All-Rounder |
| Ramandeep Singh | All-Rounder |
| Varun Chakravarthy | Spinner |
| Harshit Rana | Pacer |
| Vaibhav Arora | Pacer |
Chennai Super Kings (PPI):
| Player | Role |
|---|---|
| Shaik Rasheed | Opener |
| Ayush Mhatre | Batter |
| Sam Curran | All-Rounder |
| Ravindra Jadeja | All-Rounder |
| Dewald Brevis | Batter |
| Deepak Hooda | Batter |
| MS Dhoni (c & wk) | Wicket-Keeper |
| Noor Ahmad | Spinner |
| Khaleel Ahmed | Pacer |
| Anshul Kamboj | Pacer |
| Matheesha Pathirana | Pacer |
Pitch Report – Eden Gardens, Kolkata
The Eden Gardens pitch continues to be a high-scoring track , offering minimal assistance to bowlers. There’s enough carry for the batters, and boundaries are easily accessible. Spinners may get some turn later in the game, but early on it’s a paradise for stroke-makers. The average first-innings score in the last five matches here has been 209 , and four of those were above 200. Batting first gives a slight edge, especially with dew not being a major factor due to clear weather.
Toss Prediction
Prediction: Kolkata Knight Riders to win the toss
Decision: Likely to bat first due to historical trends and pitch behavior favoring early batters.
Winner Prediction
While both teams have their strengths and weaknesses, Kolkata Knight Riders appear slightly ahead given their home advantage , better overall balance , and form of key players like Ajinkya Rahane and Andre Russell. CSK will fight hard, but unless they rectify their middle-order issues and find consistent bowling spells, it’s likely to be another tough outing.
Predicted Winner: Kolkata Knight Riders
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