Match Preview
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) are slowly but surely finding their rhythm in IPL 2025. With Mitchell Marsh firing three fifties in four games and Nicholas Pooran leading the run-scoring charts, their batting unit looks formidable. When Pooran failed against Mumbai Indians, the likes of Aiden Markram, Ayush Badoni, and David Miller rose to the occasion. LSG’s Indian pace attack has also stepped up, with young Digvesh Rathi emerging as an early favourite for the Emerging Player award.
However, they now face a tricky challenge: tackling Kolkata Knight Riders’ spin-heavy attack at a sun-drenched Eden Gardens. The slow surface is expected to test their ability against spin—a department where players like Markram and Marsh have struggled in recent seasons. Rishabh Pant, too, has a poor record against legspin, while Pooran, despite his power, has been troubled by Sunil Narine in the past.
KKR’s Rise and Home Advantage
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are starting to build momentum of their own. Their impressive win over Sunrisers Hyderabad showcased their adaptability on a tacky Eden surface. Venkatesh Iyer and Rinku Singh adjusted well, while Ajinkya Rahane and young Angkrish Raghuvanshi have brought a steady hand to the middle order.
However, questions remain over their opening pair and the limited time Andre Russell has had with the bat. Eden’s sticky pitch may again play a role, allowing KKR’s spinners and middle-order anchors to thrive.
Adding a local twist to the rivalry is the unique connection with Mohun Bagan fans in Kolkata, who often back LSG for a day due to shared ownership between the two teams.
Team News & Probable XIs
KKR Likely XII:
- Quinton de Kock (wk)
- Sunil Narine
- Ajinkya Rahane
- Angkrish Raghuvanshi
- Venkatesh Iyer
- Rinku Singh
- Andre Russell
- Ramandeep Singh
- Moeen Ali
- Harshit Rana
- Vaibhav Arora
- Varun Chakravarthy
Quinton de Kock has been inconsistent apart from one big knock. KKR may weigh up bringing in Rahmanullah Gurbaz. Moeen Ali could retain his place depending on the spin-friendly pitch.
LSG Likely XII:
- Aiden Markram
- Mitchell Marsh
- Nicholas Pooran
- Rishabh Pant (wk)
- Ayush Badoni
- David Miller
- Abdul Samad/Shahbaz Ahmed
- Shardul Thakur
- Avesh Khan
- Akash Deep
- Digvesh Rathi
- Ravi Bishnoi
Mayank Yadav remains sidelined. LSG could consider left-arm spin options like Shahbaz Ahmed or M Siddharth to add variety.
Key Talking Points
- Can LSG Handle KKR’s Spin Web?
Eden’s surface may play into KKR’s hands, especially with Narine, Moeen, and Varun Chakravarthy in their arsenal. Marsh and Markram have shown vulnerability against spin, and Pant’s legspin struggles continue. - Is KKR Underusing Russell?
The power-hitter has faced just 16 deliveries this season. Though impactful with the ball, Russell’s batting has barely featured. Is his immense value being left untapped? - Ravi Bishnoi’s Woes Continue:
The retained legspinner has struggled with form and economy, and his place in the XI could soon be in jeopardy unless he delivers soon—especially on a surface that might actually suit him. - Vaibhav Arora – A Powerplay Specialist?
Called KKR’s go-to bowler early on, Arora has been deadly against left-handers but less effective against righties. With LSG’s top order stacked with right-handers, he’ll need to step up.
Pitch and Conditions
Expect a repeat of the sticky, slow conditions seen during KKR’s last game at Eden. Grass cover will be patchy, favouring spinners. With afternoon temperatures around 33°C and little dew expected, the toss could prove crucial, possibly prompting teams to chase.
This afternoon clash will test LSG’s high-flying batters against KKR’s crafty spin unit. It’s a contest of momentum versus match-ups—and Kolkata’s spinners will be key to breaking Lucknow’s stride.
