🏏 IPL 2025: Kolkata Knight Riders Beat Chennai Super Kings by 5 Wickets | Full Match Report & Scorecard
Venue: Eden Gardens, Kolkata
Match No.: 53rd Match, IPL 2025
Result: Kolkata Knight Riders won by 5 wickets
Player of the Match: Sunil Narine
🟡 CSK Bat First, Struggle Against Spin
Chennai Super Kings won the toss and chose to bat first. Openers Ruturaj Gaikwad and Devon Conway began steadily but found it difficult to accelerate as KKR’s spinners took control. Gaikwad scored a steady 49 (38), while Shivam Dube added a quick 41 (25). However, Sunil Narine and Varun Chakravarthy spun a web, taking key wickets at regular intervals.
- Sunil Narine – 4 overs, 22 runs, 3 wickets
- Varun Chakravarthy – 4 overs, 27 runs, 2 wickets
CSK managed to post a total of 157/7 in 20 overs, with a short cameo from MS Dhoni (15* off 7) towards the end.
🟣 KKR Chase Smartly, Finish in Style
Phil Salt gave KKR a strong start with an aggressive 46 off 28 balls. He was supported by Sunil Narine at the top, while Shreyas Iyer stabilized the innings in the middle. CSK bowlers attempted a comeback through Pathirana and Jadeja, but Andre Russell ensured a comfortable finish with a powerful 25* off 12 balls.
KKR chased down the target in 18.4 overs, finishing at 161/5.
✅ Final Scorecard Summary
Chennai Super Kings – 157/7 (20 Overs)
- Ruturaj Gaikwad – 49 (38)
- Shivam Dube – 41 (25)
- MS Dhoni – 15* (7)
Top KKR Bowlers: Narine (3/22)
, Chakravarthy (2/27)
Kolkata Knight Riders – 161/5 (18.4 Overs)
- Phil Salt – 46 (28)
- Shreyas Iyer – 37 (33)
- Andre Russell – 25* (12)
Top CSK Bowlers:Pathirana (2/30), Jadeja (1/27)
🏆 Player of the Match – Sunil Narine
“The Eden Gardens crowd brings the best out of me. I just focused on keeping it tight and getting breakthroughs,” – Sunil Narine
📈 Points Table Impact
| Team | Matches | Wins | Losses | Points | NRR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kolkata Knight Riders | 11 | 7 | 4 | 14 | +0.532 |
| Chennai Super Kings | 11 | 5 | 6 | 10 | -0.115 |
🎥 Watch Match Highlights
Click here to watch full match highlights on YouTube
📣 Final Verdict
KKR’s combination of aggressive batting and disciplined spin bowling proved too strong for CSK. With this win, KKR move closer to securing a playoff spot, while CSK must regroup quickly if they want to stay in contention. The IPL 2025 race is heating up, and every point now matters more than ever.
🔍 In-Depth Analysis: What This Match Means for Both Teams
💜 Kolkata Knight Riders – Peaking at the Right Time
KKR’s campaign this season has seen a mix of explosive wins and narrow losses. However, with three wins in their last four matches, they seem to have found the perfect balance between aggression and discipline.
One of the standout improvements has been their spin attack, with Sunil Narine returning to top form and Varun Chakravarthy consistently troubling batsmen on slow pitches. Even with the absence of a full-strength pace battery, the Knight Riders have managed to restrict teams under 160 in three consecutive matches.
The top order, especially Phil Salt and Narine, has given them explosive starts. Shreyas Iyer’s calmness and the finishing power of Russell and Rinku Singh make this a well-rounded unit. If KKR maintain this form, they could be serious title contenders.
“We’re focusing on one game at a time. The dressing room is confident,” – Shreyas Iyer
🟡 Chennai Super Kings – Questions to Answer
For CSK, this defeat raises several concerns. While they’ve relied on stability and experience, the lack of middle-order firepower is hurting them. Ruturaj Gaikwad has been consistent, but players like Moeen Ali and Sameer Rizvi haven’t delivered under pressure.
The bowling too lacks bite, especially on flatter surfaces. While Pathirana and Jadeja are dependable, CSK have often failed to defend moderate totals. With just three matches left, they must win all and improve their NRR.
“We didn’t capitalize in the
middle overs and lost momentum,” – MS Dhoni
🔥 Key Moments That Turned the Match
- Narine’s Spell: Dismissed Dube and Conway in quick succession.
- Phil Salt’s Start: Blasted 46 off 28, putting CSK under pressure.
- Russell’s Finish: Finished the match with two big sixes in the 18th over.
🧠 Expert Opinion
“KKR’s use of spin in the powerplay is genius. CSK need middle-order fire or they risk missing playoffs.” – Harsha Bhogle
🔮 What’s Next?
- KKR will face Delhi Capitals in their next game.
- CSK have a must-win fixture coming up against Lucknow Super Giants.2025 race is heating up, and every point now matters more than ever.