Key Points
SRH seeking revenge after last year's KKR defeat
Both teams currently struggling with two points
Kamindu Mendis makes IPL debut
Moeen Ali returns to KKR lineup
SRH will be looking for their revenge against the Knight Riders, last year they could not win any game against KKR, this year they would like to turn the tables.
This clash is the fourth match for both sides in the 18th edition of the cash-rich league. Currently, KKR are placed at the bottom of the IPL 2025 points table with two points whereas the Sunrisers is on eighth with two points from their three matches so far in the ongoing tournament.
SRH captain Pat Cummins said, "We will bowl. Looks like a good surface, but I'm terrible at reading it. They outplayed us in the final, but a bit of change in both sides. We've spoken about our batting, we've been at our best while being aggressive, but we can't be reckless. He has been amazing, doesn't get unfazed by any situation. Coordination is the key, but we do have a clear idea."
Sri Lankan batter Kamindu Mendis will be making his IPL debut.
The KKR captain informed that Moeen Ali is back in the side in place of Australian seamer Spencer Johnson.
KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane noted, "Looks good, I'm really happy with the pitch, we were also bowling first. It will suit our spinners, at home, you should get what you want, but we'll need to assess the situation quickly with the bat. We sat together, discussed how we can get better, but this is a long tournament and it was one bad day. Moeen Ali comes in place of Spencer Johnson. Regardless of all plans, we'll have to come out and do well in the middle.
Sunrisers Hyderabad (Playing XI): Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Aniket Verma, Heinrich Klaasen(w), Kamindu Mendis, Simarjeet Singh, Pat Cummins(c), Harshal Patel, Mohammed Shami, Zeeshan Ansari
Kolkata Knight Riders (Playing XI): Quinton de Kock(w), Sunil Narine, Ajinkya Rahane(c), Venkatesh Iyer, Rinku Singh, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Moeen Ali, Ramandeep Singh, Andre Russell, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakaravarthy.
Comments:
Sarah R.
Exciting to see Cummins' strategy here! Bowling first at Eden Gardens could be risky but might pay off with their pace attack. Let's go SRH! 💪 #OrangeArmy
Mike J.
Not sure about this decision tbh. KKR's batting looks strong with Narine and de Kock opening. SRH might regret not batting first on what looks like a good pitch.
Priya K.
So excited for Kamindu Mendis' debut! 🎉 Been following him in international cricket. Hope he gets to bat today and shows his class!
Amit S.
KKR at the bottom of the table? That's surprising! Hope they turn things around today. Russell needs to fire with both bat and ball. #KorboLorboJeetbo
David T.
Interesting team changes from both sides. Moeen Ali's experience could be crucial for KKR in the middle overs. SRH's batting looks a bit thin though - hope they prove me wrong!
Neha M.
Cummins being honest about not reading pitches well 😂 At least he's self-aware! Hope his bowlers deliver today. Shami vs de Kock will be 🔥
