We’ve reached the stage of IPL 2025 where every match feels like a knockout and for the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Sunday’s showdown against the Rajasthan Royals (RR) at Eden Gardens is exactly that.
With just 9 points from 10 games, KKR are teetering on the edge. One more slip-up could all but end their playoff hopes. Meanwhile, Rajasthan Royals are already out of contention. With only 3 wins from 11 games, they’ve got nothing to lose and that freedom makes them a dangerous opponent.
But this encounter won’t be defined by team strategies alone. It’s also about those key individual duels -the player matchups that can shift momentum in a single over. Here’s a breakdown of 4 key battles that could shape the outcome of this high-stakes clash.
Today, we strike together. 𝑲𝒏𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝒔𝒕𝒚𝒍𝒆 ⚔️ 😎 pic.twitter.com/dyTVHnuucy
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Sanju Samson vs Sunil Narine
Sanju Samson, who may return from injury for this game, has struggled against Sunil Narine’s mystery spin over the years.
In 13 IPL innings, Samson has scored just 66 runs off 82 balls against the West Indian spinner, losing his wicket three times. That equates to a strike rate of only 80.48 clear evidence of Narine’s dominance.
If Samson walks in early, expect KKR to unleash Narine straight away. This duel could set the tempo for the entire match.
Also Read: After PSL Ban, Pakistan Hits Back By Blocking IPL 2025 Broadcast
Shimron Hetmyer vs Varun Chakaravarthy
Shimron Hetmyer is known for taking down spin during the middle overs, but Varun Chakaravarthy has consistently had the upper hand. In their previous face-offs, Hetmyer has managed only 7 runs from 10 balls, falling twice. That gives him a dismal average of 3.5.
Varun’s deceptive variations have left Hetmyer second-guessing. If they clash again on Sunday, it might be another quick exit for the Caribbean left-hander.
Wanindu Hasaranga vs Varun Chakaravarthy
This one’s a bit of a wildcard, but worth watching. Though Wanindu Hasaranga usually bats lower down the order, his rare encounters with Varun have been heavily one-sided. In just 4 deliveries faced, Hasaranga has been dismissed twice, scoring only 3 runs, a staggering average of 1.5.
If he’s promoted up the order for a quick burst, Varun will likely be ready. Expect fireworks but maybe only for a few balls.
Ajinkya Rahane vs Wanindu Hasaranga
Ajinkya Rahane brings a touch of classic elegance to the crease, but he’s yet to find a solution to Hasaranga’s guile. In 8 deliveries faced, the Lankan spinner has dismissed Rahane twice while giving away just 9 runs.
Rahane may boast a strike rate over 110 in this matchup, but an average of 4.5 suggests his stays have been brief. If this duel unfolds, it could be another short-lived innings for the veteran KKR batter.
