IPL 2025: KKR skipper Rahane wins toss, elects to field first against LSG

ANI April 8, 2025 173 views

Kolkata Knight Riders and Lucknow Super Giants clash in a pivotal IPL match at Eden Gardens with both teams seeking to break into the top four. KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane won the toss and chose to field first, citing strategic considerations about the pitch and boundary conditions. The match represents a critical moment for both teams, who currently share identical win-loss records. With key players like Quinton de Kock and Sunil Narine in the lineup, the game promises intense competition and potential playoff implications.

"This game is all about starting fresh, need to take one step at a time" - Ajinkya Rahane
Kolkata, April 8: Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) skipper Ajinkya Rahane won the toss and elected to field first against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) at Eden Gardens on Tuesday.

Key Points

1

KKR and LSG both have 2 wins and 2 losses in current IPL season

2

Toss-winning Rahane opts to bowl first strategically

3

Spencer Johnson replaces Moeen Ali in KKR lineup

4

Match could determine top 4 positioning

Lucknow is placed at sixth spot in the points table, whereas KKR is placed at fifth, both the teams have won two and lost two.

The team who will be winning have a chance to enter the top 4.

KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane said at the toss, "We are going to bowl first. The wicket looks really good, it's not that hot. The wicket won't change much. One side boundary is small, that's why we are bowling first. Everyone is looking forward to this game. This game is all about starting fresh, need to take the positives, need to take one step at a time. People are going to talk about it, we know Quinny and Sunil are match-winners. We are not worried about them. Spencer comes in place of Moeen."

Spencer Johnson replaces Moeen Ali as KKR will be going with an extra seamer.

LSG captain Rishabh Pant said, "Wouldn't say very happy. Not thinking about the past too much. Will take the positives and move forward. As a team we are winning and as a captain I am happy. We are playing with the same playing XI."

Kolkata Knight Riders (Playing XI): Quinton de Kock(w), Sunil Narine, Ajinkya Rahane(c), Venkatesh Iyer, Rinku Singh, Andre Russell, Ramandeep Singh, Vaibhav Arora, Spencer Johnson, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakaravarthy

Lucknow Super Giants (Playing XI): Mitchell Marsh, Aiden Markram, Nicholas Pooran, Rishabh Pant(w/c), Ayush Badoni, David Miller, Abdul Samad, Shardul Thakur, Akash Deep, Avesh Khan, Digvesh Singh Rathi.

Reader Comments

S
Sanjay K.
Interesting decision by Rahane to field first! Eden Gardens usually favors chasing teams in the evening. Hope the gamble pays off for KKR 🤞 #IPL2025
P
Priya M.
So excited to see Spencer Johnson debut for KKR! His pace could be the X-factor tonight. Let's go Knights! 💜
R
Rahul T.
Not sure about dropping Moeen Ali - his experience in middle overs could've been useful against LSG's strong middle order. Hope this doesn't backfire!
A
Ananya S.
Pant's captaincy has been refreshing this season! Love how he's backing the same XI despite the ups and downs. Consistency is key in T20s 👏
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Vikram J.
This is a must-win for both teams! The battle between Russell and Avesh Khan in the death overs will be 🔥
N
Neha P.
LSG's batting looks stacked with Marsh, Pooran AND Miller! If they click together, KKR bowlers will have a long night ahead...

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Tags:
IPL 2025 KKR LSG Ajinkya Rahane Rishabh Pant Eden Gardens Cricket
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