The group stage of the ongoing IPL 2025 is nearing the end with the remaining 13 matches. The existence of Chennai Super Kings, Rajasthan Royals, and Sunrisers Hyderabad in the tournament intensified the playoff race between 7 other teams. From the stats it is already clear which teams are already knocked out from the brawl, but there are still lots of permutations and combinations left to decide the names of the possible top 4 teams. The strain of stats intensified the battle between the remaining seven teams of the 10-franchise league. 

Current points table scenario and possibilities:

1. Gujarat Titans (GT)

Current table leader of the team with 16 points in 11 games, lost only 3 and won 8 matches. +0.793 is their Net Run Rate (NRR). From this position, they are almost into the playoff round, but with a certain amount of twist. If they lose all of their remaining matches and the results of the other matches go against them, then GT can find themself outside the line of the top 4. 

2. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)

The team is in the second spot of the points table, only behind Gujarat Titans in terms of NRR. RCB, with 16 points in 11 games, has an NRR of +0.482. From this position, they are almost into the playoff round, but with a certain amount of twist. If they lose all of their remaining matches and the results of the other matches go against them, then GT can find themself outside the line of the top 4. 

Read More: PSL 2025: PES vs LAH Match 28 - A Head to Head breakdown

3. Punjab Kings (PBKS)

They are the third team in the ladder with 15 points after playing 11 matches. A rain-washed match parted them from a possible 1 more point. Like GT and RCB, PBKS has a 90% chance to secure a playoff spot but can also be disqualified if they lose all of their remaining matches and other match results prove not favorable. 

4. Mumbai Indians (MI)

In terms of the present scenario, Mumbai Indians is the 4th best possible team to book a playoff spot. But in cricket, things can happen beyond imagination. The team with 14 points in 12 games can be knocked out of the playground if they lose all of their remaining fixtures, and other match results can also harm the former champion franchise. Though their chances are high for qualification rather than disqualification. NRR can play a decisive role. MI Indians achieved a handsome net run rate of +1.156.

5. Delhi Capitals (DC)

It will be interesting to see which team goes to the next round as the holder of 4th position. Present stats suggest DC can have a tug-of-war with MI. Capitals now has 13 points after playing 11 games, one match less than Mumbai Indians. NRR can prove vital if Delhi Capitals and Mumbai Indians maintain a neck-to-neck battle. DC's NRR is currently standing at +0.362. 

6. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)

With a very keen hope of Ray, the defending champion is still in the race with 11 points in 12 matches. Comparing the above 5 teams' points and the number of matches they have played, KKR is not among the favorites to go through. But the luck from the 'City of Joy' can shine if they win the remaining games, RCB and GT lose theirs, PBKS loses two, and DC and MI lose one each— if this happens, then Knight Riders can qualify for the next round. 

7. Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)

Currently at 7th spot but slightly in a better position, as LSG has played a game less in comparison to KKR. While KKR at 6th played 12 matches, LSG has played 11 and has 10 points. With a very thin chance, LSG can still manage to get a place in the top half of the table if they win the remainder of their games, RCB and GT lose all of their upcoming games, MI loses one, and either PBKS also loses all their games or DC wins no more than one. 

In keeping with their consistent efforts to empower and motivate communities, the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have introduced their influential Shahoshi Rani program to the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season. This special campaign celebrates and salutes women who have shown remarkable courage, strength, and resilience in the face of adversity. The program seeks to highlight these true heroes and make their stories known to the world through the strong medium of cricket.

On May 7, at KKR's big-ticket match against CSK at Eden Gardens, the Shahoshi Ranis will be in the limelight. These 40 inspiring women will not only be in the stands but also attend a special KKR practice session. There, they will get to see the team practice, mingle with players and coaches, and meet co-franchise owner Juhi Chawla, who is proactively backing the initiative.

In a gesture reflective of thoughtfulness, all KKR players and support staff will wear practice jerseys with the Shahoshi Rani logo printed large on the back. Alongside the jersey will be the name of a Shahoshi Rani, signifying unity, respect, and acknowledgment of their braveness. All such moments, including their interactions with the team, will be captured and broadcast across KKR's digital platforms to further amplify their inspiring stories. 

🚨 A LOVELY GESTURE BY KOLKATA KNIGHT RIDERS 🚨

KKR players did a practice sessions with jersey names of "Shahoshi Ranis" with their presence - who has shown extraordinary courage and resilience in toughest challenges in life 💜 pic.twitter.com/TjXM9pgMSq

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) May 7, 2025

Also read: PBKS vs DC : Match 58 Weather and Pitch report IPL 2025

Strength Outside the Stadium

Discussing the campaign, co-owner Juhi Chawla stated, "Shahoshi Rani is not only a campaign but a celebration of genuine courage. These women are inspirations, and we are humbled to have our platform open to them." Her sentiments speak to KKR's wider ambition to harness the power of cricket as a means of creating positive social change and amplifying the voices that rarely get heard.

The Shahoshi Rani campaign is a tribute to KKR's faith in the power of sport to make a difference. Through the public celebration of such fearless women on the international platform, KKR sets an example for inclusiveness, community power, and everyday heroes.

Andre Russell did what he is known for, dealing with fours and sixes with his muscle power. Rajasthan Royals faced Kolkata Knight Riders at the Eden Gardens yesterday (May 4) afternoon under a calm sky, accompanied by a mild river breeze. Things started to change when Russell decided to go with his all-guns-out approach. The all-rounder scored a match-turning 25-ball 57 runs knocked against the visiting team. As per media reports, Andre received a brand-new offer letter from Sourav Ganguly. 

According to media reports, the Kolkata Knight Riders batter received a new offer letter from Ganguly on behalf of Pretoria Capitals, an SA20 setup owned by the JSW group. The former cricketer is associated with the Delhi franchise, which is also owned by the same. From the reports it is now clear that Ganguly was heavily influenced by Andre Russell's stormy knock against Rajasthan Royals. 

The 37-year-old Jamaican cricketer was not up to the mark from the beginning of the ongoing IPL 2025. Like his team, the all-rounder was also struggling to find his rhythm on the field. With the help of Russell's 57, Kolkata Knight Riders was able to make 206 in the first innings, and they won the equal rival match by only 1 run. Russell launched 6 over boundaries and powered 4 boundaries to remind us what he is still capable of. 

Read More: IPL 2025: MI vs GT Match 56 - A Head to Head breakdown

Over-all, Andre Russell is currently experiencing new low in his IPL career 

The win against Rajasthan Royals is not enough for the defending side to confirm a play-off spot, as they have lost 5 out of 11 games, leaving three more games to play. The Kolkata-based team is now in a very tricky position, lying at number 6, needing to win all of their remaining matches and keep faith in their luck. 

🚨 ANDRE RUSSELL IN SA20 🚨

- Sourav Ganguly has offered Andre Russell to play for Pretoria Capitals in SA20 2026, Ganguly meet Russell after the match yesterday. [Sumit Ghosh] pic.twitter.com/r8pMAyNkDf

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) May 5, 2025

So far in the IPL 2025, Andre Russell has batted in 8 innings with an 18.42 average, including yesterday's 57*. In terms of stats, this is the lowest season he is going through in the last 5 IPL seasons. 

Kolkata Knight Riders' (KKR) win over Delhi Capitals could be more delightful if their skipper, Ajinkya Rahane, did not get himself injured. Sunil Narine did the captaincy job after Rahane's departure from the field.

The defending champion franchise is already in an uncomfortable situation, near the IPL 2025 exit door, and now has to think about their captain's injury. Kolkata Knight Riders next will face Rajasthan Royals at the Eden Gardens on May 4. Ajinkya Rahane's availability for the match is not yet sure.

KKR spinner Anukul Roy has informed us that the experienced batter has gotten a few stitches in his hand. KKR fans are speculating, if Rahane is not able to play, then who can be the right fit on the playing XI?

Read More: IPL 2025 Qualification Scenarios: Can your team still make it to 16 Points?

Rahane's injury can be a major crisis for the team if his injury is found to be more than minor. He not only provides his experience but also a pivotal part in the middle to balance the batting lineup. Rahane's absence can force KKR team management to change the approach and tactics on the field. 

3 possible replacements for an injured Ajinkya Rahane:

• Moeen Ali: If the team management wants someone who can hold a side of the wicket, then Moeen Ali can be the right choice, the all-rounder who has scored over a thousand runs in IPL and bagged 38 wickets. In the ongoing IPL 2025, he has yet to showcase his batting talent but took 3 wickets in 4 matches. 
• Manish Pandey: In terms of experience, Manish Pandey is another candidate in the squad who can replace Rahane. The flamboyant right-hand top-order batter can add some important runs for a handsome total on the scoreboard. So far, in the ongoing IPL 2025, he has played only one match, where he scored only 19 runs. Last season he played only one match and got a useful 42-run knock for KKR. 
• Ramandeep Singh: An unexpected poor IPL 2025 outing so far for Ramandeep Singh after he got retained by Kolkata Knight Riders. He played an important role behind KKR's trophy win, but this year, he's completely out of form. But still, KKR management can rely on his talent, especially in terms of limited overs cricket. He can be useful in middle and lower-middle-order batting positions. 

Delhi Capitals (DC) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) will face each other in match 48, IPL 2025, at Arun Jaitley Stadium, the home ground of DC. The match is immensely important for both of the teams. Delhi Capitals is looking for a confirmed ticket, which can take them to the round of four, and KKR, the out-of-form defending champion, wants to push hard to protect their last hope of a ray. But only one team will leave the stadium as the winner. Whenever these two teams had collided with each other, excitement had risen to the maximum; the same is expected from the upcoming DC vs. KKR game also, which is scheduled to be played on April 29. 

Head-to-Head Record:

DC and KKD have clashed 34 times in the IPL.

DC Wins: 15

KKR Wins: 18

No Result: 1

Win Percentage: KKR dominates with a win percentage of 52.94%.

Arun Jaitley Stadium is famous for its batting-friendly surface. In summer conditions and possible due factors in the second innings, the toss can be a decisive factor. The DC vs. KKR match can showcase some brilliant bowling from spinners, as both of the sides have impactful individuals like Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel from Delhi Capitals and Varun Chakravarthy and Sunil Narine from the Kolkata-based franchise. According to the weather forecast, the sky will remain clear, with no signs of rain or heavy clouds in Delhi. 

Read More: IPL 2025: RR vs GT Match 47 - A Head to Head breakdown

Most memorable DC vs. KKR encounters from the vault

Over the years these two teams had confronted each other in multiple high-octane matches. According to all-over stats, Knight Riders has a better hand over Delhi. But Capitals had also shown their muscles against the Kolkata team. 

IPL 2024, Match 16 (April 3, 2024)—Visakhapatnam

KKR, in this match, scored a total of 272 runs batting first. Sunil Narine was awarded as the man of the match for his all-around performance. The West Indian cricketer scored 85 and took a wicket as well. KKR won the match by 106 runs. Rishabh Pant's and Tristan Stubbs' half-centuries were not enough to save the Delhi Capitals.

IPL 2023, match 28 (April 20, 2023)—Delhi

That was a low-scoring but neck-to-neck match in Arun Jaitley Stadium. Batting first, KKR took their score only to 127, and Delhi Capitals needed 19.2 overs to chase that stiff total in exchange for 6 wickets. Ishant Sharma, with 2 wickets against 19 runs in 4 overs, was awarded as the best player of the match. David Warner was the best batter of the evening, scoring 57 for Delhi.

IPL 2019, match 10 (March 30, 2019)—Delhi 

Own the most memorable encounters between these two teams. The match concluded with the help of a super over. Both teams were at 185, and in the super over, KKR got 7/1, Delhi replied with 10/1, and DC won the super over by 3 runs. Prithvi Shaw, then a Delhi Capitals batter, missed his IPL century only by 1 run. 

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) young sensation Rinku Singh has emerged as a go-to finisher in the IPL, courtesy of wise inputs from all-time greats such as MS Dhoni and Andre Russell. Composed in pressure games, Rinku feels fitness and mental toughness are the two pre-requisites for being a top-notch finisher in T20 cricket.

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During a recent interview with JioHotstar on 'Gen Bold,' Rinku spoke about his position in the middle order, where he bats at numbers five or six. Referencing his experiences with UP and KKR, Rinku stressed that it is crucial to keep the body physically fit enough to deal with the pace of the IPL's 14-match schedule. "It's my responsibility to keep my body in shape and recover well," he clarified.

Rinku also revealed the advice he gets from MS Dhoni, who has been a great help in coping with pressure. "I talk to Mahi Bhai a lot. He advises me to keep calm and play as per the situation of the match. Everything goes well when you are in a calm state of mind," Rinku said. This advice has gone a long way in shaping him into a finisher.

Though his recent performance in IPL 2025 has been a work in progress, Rinku's struggles are part of the journey. In seven innings and eight games, he has scored 133 runs at a 33.25 average, strike rate of 146.15, and a highest score of 38*. Though these statistics indicate some struggles in achieving consistency, Rinku is still optimistic about his potential to get better and close out games under pressure.

Also, Rinku discussed whether teams can cross 300 in an IPL inning, referring to the number of high-scoring matches in the recent seasons. "IPL has come a point where it is possible. Each team is very good, and anyone can reach there," he stated.

With MS Dhoni’s advice and his own dedication, Rinku Singh is shaping up to be one of the most reliable finishers in IPL 2025.

ALSO SEE : 'He is the boss there' - Sanjay Bangar shares his excitement for Virat Kohli's reply to Delhi Capitals in his home ground

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) will face Punjab Kings (PBKS) on April 26, 2025, at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. This thrilling contest between two strong teams will be influenced by the weather and pitch conditions, which will play a crucial role in determining the result of the match.

Match Details

• Date: April 26, 2025
• Time: 07:30 PM IST
• Venue: Eden Gardens, Kolkata
• Win% % Batting First: 40%
• Win% % Bowling First: 58%

Follow for more: https://www.cricketwinner.com/

Weather Report: 

Kolkata’s weather forecast for match day looks promising with no threat of rain. Clear skies and mild winds are expected, making it ideal for a full game. The temperature will start around 31°C and gradually cool down during the match.

• Temperature: Starting at 31°C and cooling off as the game progresses.
• Winds: Light winds, with no major impact on gameplay.
• Precipitation: No rain forecast, ensuring a continuous match.
• Humidity: Moderate levels of humidity are expected but won't cause any major issues. (64% humidity).

Also read: 'Where is the thought process? - Former cricketer raised concerns for Rajasthan Royals coached by Rahul Dravid

Pitch Report:

Eden Gardens is renowned for its lively pitch, which offers a good balance between bat and ball. The pitch offers decent bounce and carry for the pacers but also gives batsmen the chance to play aggressive shots. It is generally a high-scoring venue, and fans can expect a thrilling contest.

• Batting and Bowling Friendly: While pacers may get some movement early on, the pitch is mostly friendly for aggressive batting.
• Spinners: Spinners may come into play during the latter stages of the match, but overall, it favors batsmen.
• Boundary Dimensions: Eden Gardens has relatively large boundaries, but batsmen can still clear them with the right shots.

Venue Records:

• Highest Team Total: 262/2 by PBKS against Kolkata Knight Riders.
• Lowest Team Total: 49/10 by RCB against Kolkata Knight Riders.
• Average First Innings Score: Around 170 runs.

With favorable weather conditions and a pitch that promises a great contest between bat and ball, the KKR vs PBKS match is set to be an exciting one at the Eden Gardens.

In Match 39 of the IPL 2025 Season, the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) lost by 39 runs to the Gujarat Titans (GT) at Eden Gardens on April 21, 2025. GT scored 198/3, while KKR only managed 159/8. Here are the key reasons for KKR’s defeat:

KKR's bowlers did not adjust to the pitch of Eden Gardens and could not contain GT's top order. Shubman Gill scored 90 runs off 55 balls, and they put on a 114-run opening stand with Sai Sudharsan's 52 off 36 balls. Jos Buttler ended the innings not out on 41 runs off 23 balls without a lot of early runs, and many errors, like a dropped catch for Vaibhav Arora, stood out. Sunil Narine and Varun Chakravarthy had little to no impact during the middle overs of the innings. Poor bowling changes and poor field placements allowed the batting to dominate and set a big total to chase down. KKR failed to bowl to their true potential.

KKR simply had no firepower to chase down GT's total. Ajinkya Rahane's score of 50 on 36 balls was steady but so slow that KKR's middle order of Venkatesh Iyer (14 off 19 balls) and Rinku Singh (17 off 12 balls) both buckled under the pressures of needing runs without scoring runs and were starved of boundaries for 36 balls. Andre Russell's fall to bowler Rashid Khan (2-25) was a clear indicator of KKR relying on inconsistent stars and outdated aggressive tactics.

KKR's tactical situation seemed very rusted. KKR's bowling had no answer to GT's aggression. Nothing seemed as if it could stop GT's pace throughout the match. When KKR appears to compete in matches again, they must sort out inconsistencies in their bowling, get comfortable with adaptive tactics, and revive the threat to their adversaries.

GT built a strong batting foundation from the top order with a commanding 114-run opening partnership led by Shubman Gill's 90 off 55 balls and Sai Sudharsan's 52 off 36 balls. Jos Buttler's rapid-fire unbeaten 41 off 23 balls helped GT to finish with a strong score of 198/3. KKR's bowlers were unable to break the quest for runs from the top of the GT batting order, and while Andre Russell was strong with his return of 1-13 overall, the inability to take wickets hurt KKR's chances to challenge GT. KKR's poor fielding, specifically Vaibhav Arora dropping Buttler's catch, led to GT continuing to build momentum. 

KKR's chase began poorly and endorsed the previous trend of losing the first wicket during the 1st over of their innings with the dismissal of Rahmanullah Gurbaz. Although Ajinkya Rahane scored 50 runs from 36 balls, the middle order was unable to put together aggressive partnerships to accelerate the chase featuring Venkatesh Iyer (14 runs from 19 balls) and Rinku Singh (17 runs from 12). The inability to score a boundary for 36 balls limited the scoring, and KKR could not afford to lose too many wickets and lost Andre Russell to Rashid Khan in the 15th over.  KKR continued to struggle over the course of the season, indicating the entire batting unit has not performed well individually or collectively as a strong unit.

3. Fielding and Game Management

Ajinkya Rahane cited poor fielding as a major reason for KKR's loss to GT, even admitting that they could have saved 15–20 runs with better work. It is a high-scoring game where runs become gold; sometimes it's just a dropped catch or a misfield, but with KKR every little error like a dropped catch plus a misfield adds up. This is how you can let a team get close to 200, whereas GT fielded exceptionally well and were far more disciplined and energetic as fielders, thus controlling the match much better than KKR. Rahane commented that KKR needed greater game awareness and sharper fielding.

The IPL 2025 season continues to deliver thrilling action as teams fiercely compete for top positions. Match 38 of the IPL 2025 season was played at the Eden Gardens between Gujarat Titans (GT) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on April 21. 

Gujarat Titans won against Kolkata Knight Riders by 39 runs in Match 39 of IPL 2025 at Eden Gardens. Riding on a strong 114-run partnership for the first wicket between Shubman Gill (90) and Sai Sudharsan (52), GT scored 198/3, with Jos Buttler's late 41*. Though KKR's spinners were not successful, their chase went wrong after early wickets and the middle-order collapse. Ajinkya Rahane made a battling fifty, but GT bowlers, with Rashid Khan and Prasidh Krishna (2 wickets each) at the helm, wrapped up the game. KKR were limited to 159/9, and Gujarat topped the points table again with another clinical show.

Latest IPL 2025 Points Table:

As of April 21, 2025, following the match between Gujarat Titans (GT) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), the updated IPL 2025 points table is as follows:

Also read: [WATCH] :Yuvraj Singh admits he gets nervous watching Gill and Abhishek bat

Orange & Purple Cap in IPL 2025

Orange Cap (Most Runs):

• B Sai Sudharsan - 417 Runs
• Nicholas Pooran  - 368 Runs
• Jos Buttler - 356 Runs

Purple Cap (Most Wickets):

• Prasidh Krishna - 16 Wickets
• Kuldeep Yadav - 12 Wickets
• Ravisrinivasan Sai Kishore - 12 wickets

In a shocking development, the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) requested BCCI in a written format to restrict Harsha Bhogle and Simon Doull from their commentary duties in the Eden Gardens. 

According to a recently published media report, CAB, in a letter, requested the Board of Control for Cricket in India to ban Bhogle and Doull from their commentary jobs in the iconic stadium for any matches regarding the Eden Gardens pitch controversy row. CAB has taken this step ahead of Kolkata Knight Riders' (KKR) upcoming home game against Gujarat Titans (GT), which is scheduled to happen today (April 21) at 7:30 PM. 

Kolkata Knight Riders contains multiple world-class spinners like Sunil Narine, but Varun Chakravarthy has struggled to gain momentum in their home ground, which is Eden Gardens. KKR so far has experienced a rollercoaster ride in the ongoing IPL 2025. Out of 7 games, they emerged victorious only on 3 occasions, and in the other 4 matches, they were outclassed, which resulted in the team finding their spot in the 7th spot of the points table. In the last 5 matches, Knight Riders got 3 wins and 2 losses.

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The Eden Gardens pitch controversy ignited when the Purple Brigade complained about it openly following their loss to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in their opening match of the season.

CAB, in return, stated lines from rulebook 

The two commentators, Bhogle and Doull, criticized Eden Gardens pitch curator Sujan Mukherjee. Doull, taking one step further, said KKR should consider moving out of Eden Gardens amid the pitch row. 

But the Cricket Association of Bengal has its own logic. According to CAB, Mukherjee, the pitch curator, did exactly according to the rule book; no franchise has the right to say anything about the nature of the surface.