KKR Fall Short by 4 Runs Against LSG in a High-Octane Thriller at Eden Gardens

The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) found themselves on the wrong end of a nail-biting encounter at Eden Gardens as Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) clinched a dramatic 4-run victory in Match 21 of IPL 2025. In what turned out to be a run-fest for the ages, Nicholas Pooran and Mitchell Marsh lit up the iconic venue with a six-hitting spectacle, while KKR's middle-order muddle and tactical missteps triggered widespread criticism despite a valiant fightback.

🚀 First Innings: Marsh-Pooran Carnage Powers LSG to 238/3

LSG, put into bat first by KKR, made the most of a flat Eden Gardens surface and a lightning-fast outfield. Opener Mitchell Marsh (81 off 45) and Nicholas Pooran (87* off 36) unleashed carnage, dismantling KKR’s bowling attack with ferocious strokeplay and calculated aggression.

• Powerplay Surge: Marsh ensured LSG got off to a flier, targeting the pacers early.
• Middle Overs Onslaught: After the fall of de Kock and Markram, Pooran joined Marsh to forge a game-defining 112-run stand in just 48 balls.
• Finishing Touch: Pooran’s unbeaten knock, laced with 8 sixes, catapulted LSG to 238/3, one of the highest IPL totals at Eden Gardens.

🗣️ "I practise a lot, so everything comes naturally," said Pooran post-match, exuding the confidence of a man in ominous form.

🔥 Second Innings: KKR’s Chase — Bright Start, But Faltering Finish

Chasing 239 was never going to be easy, but KKR began with intent. Skipper Ajinkya Rahane (47 off 27) and Phil Salt (32 off 18) gave them a flying start, racing past 70 inside the powerplay. However, the middle-order crumble proved costly.

Collapse Triggered

• The turning point came with Rahane’s dismissal—his wicket initiated a mini-collapse.
• Despite cameos from Ramandeep Singh and Rinku Singh, the lack of structured batting order and bizarre decisions by the management cost them dearly.

🎭 Tactical Blunders: Russell at 7, Rinku at 8 – Really?

KKR’s batting order raised eyebrows across the cricketing fraternity. With a chase demanding high-impact players up the order, Andre Russell was held back until No. 7 and Rinku Singh at No. 8, a decision that drew sharp criticism.

🗨️ "You simply can’t play Russell at 7 and Rinku at 8 when you’re chasing 239," blasted Mohammad Kaif on X.

Social media exploded with frustrated fans:

🗣️ “Sorry Rinku Singh, you deserve better. This management has made a mockery of your talent.”

🎯 Final Over Drama: 21 Needed, Russell Tries but Falls Short

Needing 21 off the last over, Russell gave it his all with two sixes, but the task proved just a bit too steep. LSG held their nerves as KKR finished on 234/7, just four runs short of a historic chase.

📊 Score Summary

LSG: 238/3 (Pooran 87*, Marsh 81, Russell 1/48)
KKR: 234/7 (Rahane 47, Rinku 44*, Naveen-ul-Haq 2/38)
Result: Lucknow Super Giants won by 4 runs

📉 KKR's Season So Far: L-W-L-W-L

With this loss, Kolkata’s up-and-down season continues. The inconsistency and poor utilization of star players have left fans and pundits alike puzzled.

💬 Post-Match Reactions:

• Ajinkya Rahane: “It was a tough game. We had our chances. Credit to Pooran and Marsh—they took the game away from us.”
• Nicholas Pooran: “We trusted our process and kept the belief. Great to contribute to the team’s win.”

🏏 Talking Points:

Nicholas Pooran joins elite company with fastest 2,000 IPL runs for a West Indian.

Ajinkya Rahane's leadership questioned—bold calls, but were they the right ones?

LSG’s rise continues: 2 back-to-back wins with clinical power-hitting and smart death bowling.

📌 What’s Next?

• KKR must now rethink their batting order, especially the role of finishers in big chases.
• LSG look like serious playoff contenders, riding high on Pooran’s form and Marsh’s dominance.

📝 Final Word:

KKR’s narrow loss was more than just a defeat—it was a masterclass in what not to do in a high chase. While LSG showed power and poise, Kolkata showed promise marred by puzzling strategy. If KKR wants to stay in contention this season, it’s high time their tactics match their talent.