The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are set to face their arch-rivals and Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 final opponents, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata on April 3. Both teams have endured a bumpy start to their IPL 2025 campaign, losing two of their three matches and managing just one win so far. Despite this, the rivalry between these two sides—albeit one-sided in KKR’s favour—has intensified since last season, raising the stakes for Thursday’s high-voltage encounter.
As both teams look to build winning momentum after their erratic starts, fans can expect a thrilling battle between two sides known for their aggressive approach and penchant for posting big totals. The pitch conditions at Eden Gardens will play a crucial role in determining the outcome, given its reputation for being both a run-fest and occasionally favouring spinners.
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After losing all their matches against KKR in IPL 2024, including the final, SRH will be desperate to get one over their rivals and secure a morale-boosting victory. For the defending champions, the challenge will be to bounce back and find consistency, especially in front of a passionate home crowd.
KKR vs SRH, IPL 2025: Kolkata pitch report
The Eden Gardens pitch has already sparked controversy this season, particularly with KKR expressing dissatisfaction over not getting the spin-friendly track they desired. However, some matches have seen turn and grip, as evidenced by RCB’s Krunal Pandya making an impact with spin in the season opener. Despite this, Eden Gardens remains a batting paradise, with short boundaries and flat tracks that promise plenty of runs. Historically, out of 93 IPL matches held here, teams batting first have won 38 times, while those chasing have succeeded on 56 occasions.
KKR vs SRH, IPL 2025: Weather forecast
According to AccuWeather, Kolkata is expected to be noticeably hot and humid on April 4, with temperatures ranging from 30 to 27 degrees Celsius during match time. Dew could become a decisive factor, with humidity levels set to be very high, around 60%-80% throughout the evening, making bowling in the second innings challenging.
