The Eden Gardens roared to life on May 7, 2025, as Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) locked horns with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the 57th match of IPL 2025. With KKR fighting to keep their playoff dreams alive and CSK playing for pride after being eliminated, the stage was set for a fiery clash.
What unfolded was a rollercoaster of emotions—early collapses, explosive batting, and a finish that had fans on the edge of their seats. CSK emerged victorious by 2 wickets, chasing down KKR’s 179/6 in a thriller that showcased the unpredictability of T20 cricket. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the match, capturing the intensity of both innings and the road ahead for both teams.
KKR, with 11 points from 12 matches, were under pressure to secure a win to bolster their chances of making the top four. CSK, languishing at the bottom with just 6 points, had little to play for but pride and the opportunity to blood young talent.
The toss went KKR’s way, and they opted to bat first, setting the stage for a battle that would test both teams’ mettle. What followed was a match that epitomized the drama and excitement of the IPL, with twists and turns that kept the crowd buzzing until the final ball.
KKR’s Batting: A Tale of Grit and Flair
KKR’s innings began with a burst of aggression from openers Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Sunil Narine. Gurbaz, known for his fearless approach, scored a quick 11 off 9 balls, including a four and a six, before falling to Ravindra Jadeja in the second over. Narine, in scintillating form this season, continued the onslaught, smashing 26 off 17 balls with four fours and a six. His dismissal by Noor Ahmad in the seventh over triggered a mini-collapse, as Angkrish Raghuvanshi fell for just 1, leaving KKR at 71/3.
Ajinkya Rahane, stepping into the breach, played a captain’s knock, anchoring the innings with a well-crafted 48 off 33 balls, featuring four fours and two sixes. His 62-run partnership with Manish Pandey (36 off 28) steadied the ship, but CSK’s spinners kept the pressure on.
The late charge came from Andre Russell, who unleashed a barrage of boundaries, scoring 38 off 21 balls with four fours and three sixes. Rinku Singh (9 off 6) and Ramandeep Singh (4 off 4) provided brief cameos, but KKR finished at 179/6—a competitive total, but one that felt 10-15 runs short on a batting-friendly pitch.
CSK’s Bowling: Noor Ahmad Steals the Show
CSK’s bowling unit, despite missing some key names, rose to the occasion with a disciplined performance. Noor Ahmad was the undisputed star, his left-arm wrist-spin proving too hot to handle for KKR’s batsmen. Finishing with figures of 4/31, Ahmad dismissed Narine, Raghuvanshi, Manish Pandey, and Rinku Singh, earning the Player of the Match award.
Ravindra Jadeja played a supporting role, claiming Gurbaz’s wicket and conceding just 34 runs in his four overs. Ravichandran Ashwin bowled an economical spell of 3/19. The spinners, in particular, exploited the conditions at Eden Gardens, ensuring KKR couldn’t break free in the middle overs.
CSK’s Batting: From Despair to Triumph
CSK’s chase got off to a nightmarish start, with openers Ayush Mhatre and Devon Conway dismissed for ducks inside the first two overs, leaving them at 0/2. The pressure was palpable, but debutant Urvil Patel turned the tide with a breathtaking 31 off 11 balls, including one four and four sixes. His cameo injected momentum, but his dismissal by Harshit Rana left CSK at 60/5.
Enter Dewald Brevis and Shivam Dube, who stitched together a match-defining 67-run partnership for the sixth wicket. Brevis was the aggressor, smashing 52 off 25 balls with four fours and four sixes, while Dube played a more measured 45 off 40 balls, including two fours and three sixes.
With 18 runs needed off the last 12 balls, Varun Chakravarthy dismissed Brevis, raising KKR’s hopes. However, MS Dhoni, walking in at number seven, delivered a moment of magic. Facing the first ball of the final over, Dhoni smashed a towering six, reducing the equation to 8 off 5 balls.
Despite losing two more wickets, Dhoni’s composure guided CSK to 183/8, securing a 2-wicket victory with two balls to spare. The Eden Gardens fell silent as CSK celebrated a hard-fought win.
Brevis’ blistering 52(25) revived #CSK 👏
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) May 7, 2025
KKR’s Bowling: Close but Not Enough
KKR’s bowling attack showed flashes of brilliance but couldn’t close out the game. Vaibhav Arora was the pick of the bowlers, claiming three wickets for 48 runs, including the crucial scalp of Urvil Patel. Harshit Rana chipped in with two wickets for 43 runs, while Varun Chakravarthy was economical, taking two wickets for just 18 runs.
Moeen Ali, despite conceding 23 runs in two overs, picked up one wicket. Sunil Narine (0/28) and Khaleel Ahmed (0/22) were unable to make breakthroughs, and KKR’s inability to break the Brevis-Dube partnership proved decisive. The bowlers fought hard but were undone by CSK’s resilience in the death overs.
Player of the Match
Noor Ahmad was deservedly named Player of the Match for his match-defining spell of 4/31. His ability to outfox KKR’s batsmen at critical junctures set the tone for CSK’s victory, proving his worth as a game-changer.
Looking Ahead: KKR’s Playoff Hopes Fade
This defeat has left KKR’s playoff aspirations hanging by a thread. With 11 points from 12 matches, they face a near-impossible task to qualify for the top four, needing to win their remaining games and rely on other results. The team must address their bowling inconsistencies, particularly in the death overs, where they leaked crucial runs.
For CSK, this victory is a shot in the arm despite their elimination from playoff contention. Youngsters like Urvil Patel and Dewald Brevis have announced themselves on the big stage, and CSK will look to build around them in future seasons. With nothing to lose, CSK can play with freedom in their remaining matches, aiming to end the campaign on a high.
Also Read: KKR vs CSK : Records Galore After CSK’s Heart-Stopping Win Over KKR