IPL 2025 Thriller: Andre Russell’s Power-Hitting and Rinku Singh’s Fielding Heroics Keep KKR Alive in Playoff Race
Eden Gardens, Kolkata – In a heart-stopping clash that went down to the last ball, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) edged past Rajasthan Royals (RR) by a mere one run in an IPL 2025 classic on Sunday. This dramatic victory keeps KKR’s playoff aspirations flickering, showcasing a blend of brute force and fielding brilliance that left fans on the edge of their seats.
The match, played under the iconic lights of Eden Gardens, saw KKR defend a challenging total of 206/4, largely thanks to Andre Russell’s ferocious 57* off 25 balls. But it was Rinku Singh’s electric fielding, culminating in a match-defining run-out on the final ball, that sealed the deal and denied RR a chance at a Super Over.
Chasing 207, RR needed 22 runs off the final over. Impact substitute Shubham Dubey (25* off 14) nearly turned the game on its head, smashing two towering sixes and a four to bring the equation down to three runs off the last delivery. With tension at its peak, Dubey hit the ball towards long-off, but Rinku Singh, with lightning-quick reflexes, picked up and threw with pinpoint accuracy to dismiss Jofra Archer (12) at the non-striker’s end, sparking wild celebrations among the KKR faithful.
Earlier in the game, KKR’s innings was on a steady course at 149/3 after 17 overs. Enter Andre Russell, who unleashed carnage on RR’s bowlers. He smashed three consecutive sixes off Maheesh Theekshana and plundered 12 more off Archer in the next over. Rinku Singh joined the party, hammering 22 runs off the final over bowled by Akash Madhwal with two sixes and a four, propelling KKR to a daunting total. Russell’s knock included five sixes and three fours, underlining his reputation as one of the most destructive finishers in T20 cricket.
However, Rinku Singh wasn’t just a bystander with the bat. His contributions in the field were arguably even more impactful. Apart from saving crucial boundaries on one of India’s fastest outfields, his composure under pressure for the final run-out earned him praise. ‘I enjoy my fielding, probably more than my batting,’ Rinku admitted post-match. ‘At Eden Gardens, saving runs is as important as scoring them. I love taking responsibility out there.’
RR’s chase was powered by a captain’s knock from Riyan Parag, who blasted 95 off 45 balls, including nine fours and five sixes, keeping his team in the hunt. Support came from Yashasvi Jaiswal (34) and Shimron Hetmyer (29), but KKR’s bowlers held their nerve. Varun Chakravarthy (2/32), Moeen Ali (2/43), Harshit Rana (2/41), and Vaibhav Arora (1/50) struck at critical junctures to disrupt RR’s momentum.
KKR’s batting foundation was laid by Angkrish Raghuvanshi (44), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (35), and Ajinkya Rahane (30), ensuring a competitive total. For RR, Parag also chipped in with the ball, taking 1/21, while Archer, Yudhvir Singh, and Theekshana picked up a wicket each.
With this nail-biting win, KKR climb to fifth on the IPL 2025 points table with 11 points from their matches so far. However, their journey to the playoffs remains treacherous—they must win all three of their remaining games to secure a berth. Yet, victories like these, built on nerves of steel and moments of individual brilliance, could be the catalyst for a late surge.
As the IPL 2025 season heats up, KKR fans will hope that the dynamic duo of Russell and Rinku continues to deliver magic. For now, Eden Gardens reverberates with the echoes of a thriller that will be remembered as one of the finest finishes of the tournament.