IPL 2025: Kolkata Knight Riders vs Lucknow Super Giants, Match 21 - Who Said What?

The Match No. 21 of the Indian Premier League (IPL)'s 18th edition started with KKR putting the Lucknow Super Giants to bat first at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. The decision to take the field first seemed to be a blunder after LSG put up a formidable total of 238/3 in the first innings, as the top order from the visiting side went all guns blazing.

However, the chasing innings started with a determined approach from the KKR batters, who too did not let loose balls go waste. Skipper Ajinkya Rahane led by example, and joining him was his deputy Venkatesh Iyer. The duo put on an impeccable partnership in the middle, literally carrying the team near the victory. However, the last-over thriller was finally clinched by the visitors.

Talking Points

1. Top order enough for the Super Giants

The opening stand between Aiden Markram and Mitchell Marsh lasted for 99 runs, however, the duo set an exceptional platform and after the Proteas' dismissal, Caribbean storm hit the Eden as Nicholas Pooran thundered his way to a knock that included eight sixes and seven boundaries as well. The middle-order of Abdul Samad and David Miller played only eight deliveries combined, scoring 10 runs, as LSG posted a gigantic total on the board, losing only three wickets throughout the innings.

2. Pant & Co get Jinks-ed

Jinks, as the KKR skipper is fondly called, looked at his delightful best once the Maharashtra-born came out to bat during the second innings. Facing 35 balls, the ace batter marauded his blade at an amazing rate to amass 61 runs, laced with eight boundaries and a couple of sixes. The leader of the pack was also involved in an important partnership for the third wicket with vice-captain Venkatesh Iyer, who himself made 45 off 29.

3. Well begun, but not well done!

Things went down to the wire as Rinku Singh at the crease with 24 needed off the last over, bowled by Ravi Bishnoi. Facing three balls in the over, Rinku hit a couple of boundaries and a six off the last ball. Alas, the six meant KKR still fell short by four runs at the end. Pant's approach to hand a leg-spinner the last over was risky, but it paid dividends in the end, as LSG saved themselves from being at the receiving end of a Rinku Singh finish.

Who Said What?

Ajinkya Rahane, KKR captain, said

A really tight one. As I said at the toss, the wicket would remain very good. No complaints, in the end we fought hard but just four runs short. See when you're chasing 230-plus you are bound to lose wickets, that's completely normal. The intent and how everyone played was amazing. If batters took a little bit of time, it was a great wicket to bat on. Varun and Sunil normally dominate the middle overs, but today Sunil was travelling. It was tough for the bowlers.

Rishabh Pant, LSG captain, said

I think when we batted we didn't realise but after the powerplay we knew it would be really close. After the first powerplay, we spoke with the bowlers about sticking to the plan and not trying to do too much. [On slowing the game down] Definitely it was a conscious decision because when the game is running at that pace, you have to slow it down. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. I am happy it worked today. [On Samad at No. 4] I think [left-right combination] was the idea, given the spinners they had.

Nicholas Pooran, Player of the Match, said

[On his six-hitting] I've been asked this a million times. I practice a lot. Everything you're seeing in the game, it's because of the practice. At the moment it's just flowing really nicely. YOu understand what's needed in a game. Guys are bowling full and wide, short balls, spinners are bowling straight. So you work on that. [On the opening stand] Through the tournament Eden and Mitch have been brilliant for us. They're batting so good in partnerships. They are dropping their egos and playing the situation. And I am really happy with how we are doing as a batting unit. [On his role at No. 3] The role is just to get a start and carry on capitalising on my match-ups. I've been scoring consistently now and as the opportunity continues to present itself, I want to enjoy it.