The 53rd match of IPL 2025 will see Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) take on Rajasthan Royals (RR) at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, on May 4. This match is crucial for KKR, as they need a win to keep their playoff hopes alive. With four wins from 10 matches, they currently sit seventh in the standings. Meanwhile, RR, with just three victories from 11 games, have already been eliminated from the tournament. However, they’ll be keen to spoil KKR’s chances in this high-stakes clash.
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) Team Preview
KKR heads into this match with momentum on their side, having secured a 14-run victory over Delhi Capitals in their last outing. Angkrish Raghuvanshi’s crucial innings played a big role in helping them cross the 200-run mark, showcasing their batting strength. With the playoffs still within reach, KKR needs to deliver another strong performance and ensure their campaign remains alive.
Rajasthan Royals (RR) Team Preview
RR’s struggles with both bat and ball were exposed in their 100-run defeat to Mumbai Indians, highlighting their inconsistencies this season. With their hopes of qualifying already over, they now turn their focus to finishing on a positive note. Despite their elimination, RR will aim to disrupt KKR’s playoff push, making this clash more intense than it appears on paper.
IPL 2025, Match 53: Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) vs Rajasthan Royals (RR) – Match Details
Date and Time: 4th May, Sunday, 3:30 PM IST
Venue: Eden Gardens, Kolkata
Live Streaming: JioHotstar (app & website)/ Star Sports Network
IPL 2025, Match 53: Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) vs Rajasthan Royals (RR) – Pitch Report
The Eden Gardens Stadium is known for its batting-friendly surface, offering true bounce that allows batters to play their shots with confidence. Traditionally, the pitch has favored stroke-makers, making it easier to find boundaries. However, the current conditions at Eden Gardens are supporting pace bowlers, giving them an edge early in the innings.
IPL 2025, Match 53: Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) vs Rajasthan Royals (RR) – Weather Report
The weather for IPL 2025 Match 53 at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, looks favorable for cricket, but there is a slight chance of rain on Sunday, which could cause minor delays. With a 5% probability of rain, the match schedule might be affected. The temperature is expected to be around 32°C, with 65% humidity, creating warm and humid conditions.
IPL 2025, Match 53: Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) vs Rajasthan Royals (RR) – Toss Report
Over the course of 98 IPL matches at this ground, teams batting second have had the upper hand, securing 56 victories, while teams batting first have won 41 times. These stats indicate that chasing is often a favorable strategy, making it a strong option for captains who win the toss.
IPL 2025, Match 53: Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) vs Rajasthan Royals (RR) – Team Analysis
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) Strength
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have showcased a well-balanced squad in IPL 2025, with powerful finishers and a strong spin attack leading their charge. Their batting depth, featuring Andre Russell, Rinku Singh, and Venkatesh Iyer, has allowed them to accelerate in the death overs, making them one of the most dangerous teams in crunch situations. Additionally, their spin duo of Sunil Narine and Varun Chakravarthy has been instrumental in controlling the middle overs, especially on spin-friendly tracks like Eden Gardens.
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) Weakness
KKR has struggled with over-reliance on key players, particularly in batting. If their top-order fails, the team often finds itself under pressure, lacking a reliable anchor to rebuild the innings. Their pace attack has been inconsistent, with bowlers struggling to contain runs in the death overs. Injuries have also disrupted their campaign, forcing frequent changes in the playing XI, affecting team stability.
Rajasthan Royals (RR) Strength
Rajasthan Royals (RR) have built a solid core in IPL 2025, with Sanju Samson leading the charge alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shimron Hetmyer. Their top-order firepower has been a major asset, allowing them to set strong totals and chase effectively. The team also boasts a deep all-rounder lineup, with players like Riyan Parag and Dhruv Jurel contributing with both bat and ball. Their bowling attack, led by Jofra Archer, has been effective in the powerplay, while Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana provide variety in the spin department.
Rajasthan Royals (RR) Weakness
RR has struggled with middle-order inconsistency, often relying too heavily on their top three batters. Their spin attack, while promising, has lacked a reliable Indian option, making them vulnerable on slow, turning pitches. Injuries have also disrupted their campaign, with key players missing crucial matches.
IPL 2025, Match 53: Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) vs Rajasthan Royals (RR) – Key Players
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)
Sunil Narine: Narine has been instrumental for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in IPL 2025, proving his worth as both a mystery spinner and an explosive batter. He has picked up 10 wickets so far, maintaining a tight economy rate, while also contributing crucial runs at the top of the order. Narine’s 3/29 against Delhi Capitals was a game-changer, where he dismissed key batters like Axar Patel, Tristan Stubbs, and Faf du Plessis, derailing Delhi’s chase and securing a 14-run victory for KKR.
Ajinkya Rahane: Rahane has been KKR’s leading run-scorer this season, accumulating 297 runs at a strike rate of 149. Rahane’s 61-run knock against Gujarat Titans was a standout, where he held the innings together despite wickets falling around him. As KKR fights to stay in the playoff race, Rahane’s calm leadership and batting consistency will be key in guiding the team through high-pressure matches.
Andre Russell: Russell has had a tough season, managing just 72 runs in seven innings at an average of 10.28. While his bowling has been decent, picking up eight wickets, his economy rate of 12.00 has been a concern. Russell’s 3/19 against Rajasthan Royals was a rare bright spot, where he bowled a match-winning spell to restrict RR’s chase.
Rajasthan Royals (RR)
Yashasvi Jaiswal: Jaiswal has been one of Rajasthan Royals’ (RR) best batters, scoring 426 runs at a strike rate of 152.68. Jaiswal’s 70 off 40 balls against Gujarat Titans was a masterclass in aggressive batting, helping RR chase down 210 in just 15.5 overs. With RR struggling in the tournament, Jaiswal’s explosive batting will be essential in their remaining matches to salvage pride and end the season on a high.
Jofra Archer: Archer has been RR’s most reliable pacer, picking up 10 wickets in 10 matches. His ability to bowl with pace and accuracy has troubled opposition batters. With RR already eliminated, Archer will look to continue his strong performances and end the season on a high, proving his worth for future campaigns.
Nitish Rana: Rana has been a steady performer for RR, scoring 2736 runs in his IPL career. His ability to stabilize the innings and play aggressive strokes has been valuable. Rana’s 87-run knock earlier in the season showcased his ability to build an innings and accelerate when needed.
IPL 2025, Match 53: Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) vs Rajasthan Royals (RR) – Probable Playing XIs
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) probable playing XI: Sunil Narine, Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ajinkya Rahane (c), Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Venkatesh Iyer, Rinku Singh, Andre Russell, Rovman Powell, Anukul Roy, Harshit Rana, Vaibhav Arora, Varun Chakaravarthy (Impact Player).
Rajasthan Royals (RR) probable playing XI: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Nitish Rana, Riyan Parag (c), Shivam Dubey, Dhruv Jurel (wk), Shimron Hetmyer, Jofra Archer, Maheesh Theekshana, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Kumar Kartikeya, Akash Madhwal (Impact Player).
IPL 2025, Match 53: Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) vs Rajasthan Royals (RR) – Head-to-Head Records
The head-to-head battle between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the IPL has been closely contested, with KKR holding a slight edge with 15 wins, while RR has secured 14 victories. With such a narrow margin, these teams have been evenly matched over the years, making every encounter an unpredictable showdown.
IPL 2025, Match 53: Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) vs Rajasthan Royals (RR) – Dream 11 Prediction
Wicket- Keeper: Rahmanullah Gurbaz
Batters: Yashasvi Jaiswal (vc), Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Ajinkya Rahane, Angkrish Raghuvanshi
All-rounders: Sunil Narine (c), Andre Russell, Riyan Parag
Bowlers: Varun Chakaravarthy, Jofra Archer, Harshit Rana
IPL 2025, Match 53: Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) vs Rajasthan Royals (RR) – Full Squad
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) full squad for IPL 2025: Rahmanullah Gurbaz(w), Sunil Narine, Ajinkya Rahane(c), Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Venkatesh Iyer, Rinku Singh, Andre Russell, Rovman Powell, Anukul Roy, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakaravarthy, Vaibhav Arora, Manish Pandey, Mayank Markande, Ramandeep Singh, Luvnith Sisodia, Chetan Sakariya, Anrich Nortje, Quinton de Kock, Moeen Ali, Spencer Johnson.
Rajasthan Royals (RR) full squad for IPL 2025: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Nitish Rana, Riyan Parag(c), Dhruv Jurel(w), Shimron Hetmyer, Shubham Dubey, Jofra Archer, Maheesh Theekshana, Kumar Kartikeya, Akash Madhwal, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Wanindu Hasaranga, Yudhvir Singh Charak, Tushar Deshpande, Kunal Singh Rathore, Kwena Maphaka, Ashok Sharma.
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