IPL 2025: Rahane Praises Team Effort as KKR Clinch Thrilling One-Run Win Over Rajasthan Royals
Kolkata, May 4 – In a high-octane thriller at Eden Gardens, the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) held their nerve to edge out Rajasthan Royals (RR) by just one run, keeping their playoff hopes alive in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025.
Led by skipper Ajinkya Rahane, KKR defended a total of 206 with a disciplined bowling effort and crucial fielding moments, despite a stunning 95-run blitz from Rajasthan captain Riyan Parag.
Parag’s 45-ball innings, which included eight sixes and six fours, kept RR in the hunt throughout their chase. With 22 needed off the final over, Rajasthan fell heartbreakingly short, ending at 205/6. Shubham Dubey’s valiant effort at the death – including two sixes and a four – wasn’t enough as KKR sealed a narrow win in front of a packed home crowd.
Parag’s Brilliance Not Enough
Rajasthan were well poised at 155/4, needing just 52 from the final five overs with Parag and Dubey at the crease. But Parag’s dismissal in the 18th over proved pivotal. His departure shifted the momentum, and KKR’s bowlers, led by disciplined death-over execution, managed to hold off the final charge.
Russell, Raghuvanshi Power KKR to 206
Earlier, KKR’s innings was anchored by Andre Russell, who played a blistering knock to push the total past 200. His late fireworks were complemented by Angkrish Raghuvanshi’s 44 off 31 balls, while Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Rahane ensured a steady platform in the powerplay.
Captain Ajinkya Rahane, reflecting on the tight contest, praised his side’s composure and fielding:
“It was really close but I’m very happy. When you win by one or two runs, it gives you immense satisfaction,” Rahane said during the post-match presentation.
“Gurbaz and Angkrish played well, and that finish from Russell was crucial. The plan was to go hard in the powerplay, then stabilise through the middle. Fielding also made a big difference—saving 10–12 runs, taking key catches, and that one run-out mattered.”
KKR Climb to Sixth
The win takes KKR to sixth place on the points table with five wins from 11 matches, keeping their playoff hopes alive ahead of a crucial clash against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at Eden Gardens on Wednesday.
For Rajasthan Royals, the narrow loss is a significant blow. They will look to bounce back in their next match, another must-win encounter against CSK, scheduled for May 12 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.
