Kolkata Knight Riders Battle Rajasthan Royals for Playoff Position in IPL 2025

Defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) face a crucial home match against the already-eliminated Rajasthan Royals (RR) as they aim to keep their playoff hopes alive in IPL 2025. KKR, currently seventh in the standings, must win all their remaining matches to secure a top-four finish but have struggled at home, managing just one win from five matches at Eden Gardens. Their campaign has been hampered by inconsistent batting and an unsettled opening partnership, though their spin duo of Sunil Narine and Varun Chakaravarthy have provided some relief. RR, meanwhile, have suffered from a lack of depth in both batting and bowling as well as injuries to key players and are now playing with nothing to lose after a string of losses, including a heavy defeat to Mumbai Indians. Despite their elimination, RR remain a threat capable of spoiling KKR's playoff bid. The match is set for Sunday, May 4, with KKR needing to reverse their poor home form to stay in contention.