Former Indian bowling legend Zaheer Khan gave a start to much-awaited Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) vs. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) game by sounding the ceremonial bell at Eden Gardens on Tuesday, April 8. Zaheer, India's best fast bowler has an incredible record of 610 international wickets, highest among left-arm Indian bowlers. He has been newly appointed as LSG's mentor for the 2025 season of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Gautam Gambhir was the mentor of the team in 2022 and 2023 in the past, but after his transition to KKR, LSG did not have that role last season, which was their first failure to qualify for the playoffs.

ALSO READ: “Ab Lucknowi Andaaz Mein!” – LSG Fans Celebrate After a Crazy Win Over Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2025

The bell-ringing ceremony in Eden Gardens began in 2016 when cricket legend Kapil Dev rang the bell prior to a Test against New Zealand. The idea was floated by former CAB President Sourav Ganguly, who had taken inspiration from the legendary tradition at Lord's Cricket Ground. Ever since, it has been a symbolic initiation to big matches in the stadium.

Iconic moment at an iconic venue 🏟️#LSG mentor Zaheer Khan rang the bell at the Eden Gardens to kickstart the #KKRvLSG contest 🔔

Updates ▶ https://t.co/3bQPKnxnJs#TATAIPL | @ImZaheer pic.twitter.com/X7SJliCnKs

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 8, 2025

LSG Openers Take Control Early

KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane decided to bowl first in the day game. LSG batsmen capitalized on the chance, with Aiden Markram unleashing a barrage of forceful shots in the early overs. Mitchell Marsh was cautious in the beginning but started to pick up pace as he settled in.

ALSO READ: 'Parchi toh kategi hi' - Fans react as Digvesh Rathi pulls off another controversial celebration against KKR

Harshit Rana's start was a struggle, with 16 runs and a boundary off the beginning of his next. But he came back well to get Markram out on a canny slower ball that exploited his vulnerability in the 11th over.Despite that, LSG was in a strong position with 99 runs on the board and power-hitters like Nicholas Pooran and David Miller still waiting to bat, aiming to set a challenging total for the home side.

A memorable outing for the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the Eden Gardens, Kolkata. A solid foundation built by Aiden Markram and Mitchell Marsh turned into a monumental structure with the help of Nicholas Pooran (87*), who drove the Lucknow-based franchise to a total of 238/3. The target was little far to achieve for the defending IPL champion team Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). In reply to 238, KKR’s innings were restricted to 234/7.

Read More: Rishabh Pant Cheers from the Stands at ISL Semi-final Before KKR vs LSG Showdown

Toss and first innings

The surface of Eden Gardens had very little to offer for the bowlers. After winning the toss, Knight skipper Ajinkya Rahane’s decision to field first could have been perfect if his bowlers had at least been able to slow down the opponent team’s run rate. Harshit Rana took the wickets of Markram (47) and Abdul Samad (6) but went for a 12.75 economy rate in his 4-over quota. The other wicket fall, in the form of Marsh (81), was taken by Andre Russell. Russell took a wicket, bowled only 2 overs, and spent a total of 32 runs. Though Varun Chakaravarthy did not claim any wicket, he produced a 7.75 economy rate in his 4 overs quota, which proved that there was something for the bowlers in the pitch.

Second Innings

On their home ground, Knight Riders has shown their fighting spirits with the bat. Despite losing Quinton de Kock’s wicket early, KKR batters tried to maintain their momentum with a quick pace. Sunil Narine, who has so far remained cold in the ongoing IPL 2025, played a handy 30-run innings with a 230.77 strike rate. Skipper Rahane, with his well-composed batting, scored a brilliant 61 off 35 balls, accompanied by Venkatesh Iyer with a 29-ball, 45-run innings. Their efforts went in vain as the middle order and the lower middle order batters produced very little to take the team to the finish line. Rinku Singh (38 runs 15 balls) tried to make some impact at the last minute, but it was not enough. 

Thorough entertainment at the Eden Gardens 🏟 🍿

And it's the Rishabh Pant-led @LucknowIPL that prevail in a thrilling run fest 🥳

They bag 2️⃣ crucial points with a 4️⃣-run victory over #KKR 👏

Scorecard ▶ https://t.co/3bQPKnxnJs#TATAIPL | #KKRvLSG pic.twitter.com/31clVQk1dD

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 8, 2025

Post-Match Reactions

Rishabh Pant (LSG Skipper): "We didn’t realise the game would get this close when they batted in the first inning, but in the second inning, as the batters of KKR were batting, they knew that it would go close for sure. There were a lot of turning points in the game as after the first strategic break, told the bowlers to stick to their game plan and not try to overdo things. Our plan was to have a left-hand and right-hand batter at the crease as KKR spinners were bowling well.

Ajinkya Rahane (KKR Skipper): "Match was a really tight one, and this wicket looks good to bat on, and we fought well, fell short of just 4 runs in the end, but overall, it was a great game. When you are chasing 230 plus, you are bound to lose wickets in the middle as the intent was always there to just go for the boundaries. Everyone batted really well and it was really tough for the bowlers to contain here. The boundary was very short at one end of the square, and there is no complaint about the bowling attack, and Varun also bowled really well."

Kolkata Knight Riders vs Lucknow Super Giants match scorecard

Lucknow Super Ginats- 238/3 (20 overs)

Kolkata Knight Riders- 234/7 (20 Overs)

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on the mountain of runs against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the Eden Gardens. Winning the toss, KKR skipper Ajinkya Rahane preferred to bowl first. For the first couple of overs, Rahane's decision looked promising; Vaibhav Arora was in good shape in his first over, though Spencer Johnson was expensive from the beginning.

Read More: IPL 2025: GT vs RR Match 23- Who will be Impact Players for today's match?

 LSG batters started their innings in a more composed way than in their previous IPL 2025 matches. Both openers, Aiden Markram and Mitchell Marsh, took their time, understood the surface, and then took the road to carnage. Marsh and Markram stitched a 99-run partnership before the South African lost his wicket to Harshit Rana. Things were getting more complicated for the host when Nicholas Pooran came into the crease. Marsh was already there, a set batsman, and Pooran has been in good touch so far in the tournament.

Nicholas Pooran is an absolute beast.

Pooran reminds me The Chris Gayle 🙏#KKRvsLSG #LSGvKKR #IPL2025 pic.twitter.com/yTb2Be6LSj

— Ashutosh Srivastava 🇮🇳 (@sri_ashutosh08) April 8, 2025

Eden Gardens pitch is normally known for its batting-friendly nature, especially when there is a blue sky and scorching sun, which can make the surface drier and balls come easily on the bat. Markam's wicket fell in 10.2 overs; LSG then was on 99. When Marsh departed on 15.2 overs, 170 was on the scoreboard.

#KKRvsLSG
Scene after Nicholas Pooran Beast knock 🔥 pic.twitter.com/a1cDQrJakN

— theboysthing (@theboysthing07) April 8, 2025

A match Kolkata Knight Riders bowlers will love to forget 

First the South African and Australian duo, then a partnership of Australian and West Indian batters, KKR bowlers have absolutely no clue how to restrict the run flow. With six 4s and five 6s, Marsh claimed 81 off 48 balls. But the main man of LSG was Pooran, who continued to drag the total over 200, ultimately 238 of 3 in 20 overs. The Caribbean swashbuckling batter remains unbeaten with 87 in 36 balls, a strike rate of 241.67; 8 times he cleared the rope for a maximum and seven times for a boundary.

TAKE A BOW, MITCHELL MARSH.

81 (48) with 6 fours and 5 sixes. A total carnage at the Eden Gardens by Marsh. He smashed 4 fifties in 5 innings in IPL 2025, the Orange Cap holder....#KKRvsLSG pic.twitter.com/4eqZqMuLQn

— Howzzat Zone (@HowzzatZone) April 8, 2025

The only bowler from Kolkata Knight Riders who produced a satisfying figure according to the economy rate was Varun Chakravarthy, 31 runs in his 4 overs quota but no wickets for him. Arora completed his spell with an 8.75 economy rate. The other three bowlers have an economy rate over 12. Andre Russell, who took the wicket of Marsh, offered 32 runs in his 2 overs. 

Nicholas Pooran with KKR bowlers in today's match #KKRvsLSG pic.twitter.com/hqNnjUwnAU

— Prayag (@theprayagtiwari) April 8, 2025 

The defending champions, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), are keen to follow up their convincing 80-run victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad with another win when they face Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in Match 21 of IPL 2025 at the Eden Gardens. With the bulk of the playing XI remaining the same, however, one name missing from KKR's playing eleven has caused a few raised eyebrows: Moeen Ali.

The experienced English all-rounder has been substituted by left-arm Australian pacer Spencer Johnson for this do-or-die match. This strategic change, confirmed in the toss by skipper Ajinkya Rahane, is based heavily on the Kolkata pitch condition.

Ex-Australian cricketer Matthew Hayden, in his pitch report, showed some grass and even the chance of a sticky surface in the first innings. Such a surface early on is perfect for fast bowlers to be able to produce bounce and movement something perfectly suited for a tall fast bowler like Johnson.

ALSO SEE: RCB Join the Elite IPL Club after beating CSK, MI & KKR at their Home Grounds

Moeen's Quiet Season So Far

Spencer Johnson has played three matches this season, picking a single wicket while leaking runs at an expensive economy of 10.42. Moeen Ali, however, had a relatively subdued IPL 2025, picking up just five runs and taking two wickets across two matches. The switchover might be as much tactical as performance-related.

KKR has also recruited Vaibhav Arora as a cover for Angkrish Raghuvanshi, reflecting a desire for more bowling depth. Having a slightly shorter boundary on one side and favorable bowling conditions to start with, KKR is very keen to strike at the top with the pace.

With KKR targeting back-to-back victories, Moeen's absence seems a condition-based short-term decision. Since the tournament is in its early stages, Moeen Ali can be anticipated to return once games and conditions are involved.

KKR vs LSG: Playing XIs

ALSO SEE: EXPLAINED: Why Two IPL 2025 matches are scheduled Today, even though it's a tuesday

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

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

The Indian Premier League (IPL) usually hosts only two matches on weekends, i.e., Saturdays and Sundays. But on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, fans witnessed something unusual: two games were slated to be played. It was because one of the earlier games had to be rescheduled owing to local conditions. A game between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) was supposed to take place on April 6, a Sunday. But it got rescheduled to Tuesday instead.

The reason for the change was the Ram Navami festivities in Kolkata. The local authorities told the IPL organizers that they could not provide sufficient security on April 6. Due to this, the match between KKR and LSG was rescheduled to a later date. The organizers selected April 8 to schedule it without disturbing other teams too much.

As there was already a match scheduled between Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on April 8, this change resulted in a rare weekday doubleheader. That is, two matches will take place on the same day, one in the afternoon and one in the evening, although it's a working day.

ALSO READ: IPL 2025: RCB skipper fined heavily for Code of Conduct breach against MI

How does IPL manage scheduling changes?

The schedule for the IPL is planned well in advance, but sometimes changes are also required depending on local events, elections, or security issues. If there is something important going on in a city, the police cannot handle a large cricket match simultaneously. Under such circumstances, the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) approaches the local authorities and postpones matches as necessary.

All these changes keep the tournament organized. Fans may be taken aback by double-headers in midweek, but it is better than cancellation or sacrificing security. It also reflects that the IPL organizers are willing to accommodate changes at short notice without making the tournament disorganized.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 is returning with exciting cricket action, which is all set to begin on March 22, 2025. This season holds the promise of exciting matches, fierce rivalries, and memorable performances by the best cricketers in the world. Fans globally are eagerly waiting to watch and support their favourite teams. From watching television to streaming online, here is a complete guide to IPL 2025 

KKR vs LSG: Match Details 

•  Teams: KKR vs LSG
• Date: 8th April, 2025
• Time: 03:30 pm.
• Venue: Eden Gardens, Kolkata

KKR vs LSG Live Streaming  TV Broadcast by Country

ALSO READ:IPL 2025: KKR vs LSG Prediction– Match 21, Who will win today?

Kolkata Knight Riders vs Lucknow Super Giants Predicted Playing XI

Lucknow Super Giants Playing XI

Aiden Markaram, Mitchell Marsh, Nicholas Pooran, Rishabh Pant, Ayush Badoni, David Miller, Abdul Samad, Shardul Thakur, Akash Deep, Avesh Khan, Digvesh Rathi

Impact Player: Ravi Bishnoi

Kolkata Knight Riders Playing XI

Quinton De Kock, Sunil Narine, Ajinkya Rahane, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Venkatesh Iyer, Rinku Singh, Andre Russell, Moeen Ali, Ramandeep Singh, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakravarthy

Impact Player: Vaibhav Arora

On Tuesday afternoon (April 8), the Kolkata Knight Riders vs Lucknow Super Giants (KKR vs LSG) match will be played at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, which has been scheduled for the 21st match of the IPL 2025. Let's check the KKR vs LSG Dream11 top captains and vice-captains.  

IPL 2025, Match 21: KKR vs LSG Probable XIs

Kolkata Knight Riders Predicted Playing XI: Sunil Narine, Quinton de Kock (wk), Ajinkya Rahane (Captain), Rinku Singh, Venkatesh Iyer, Ramandeep Singh, Andre Russell, Harshit Rana, Anrich Nortje/Spencer Johnson, Varun Chakravarthy, Vaibhav Arora/Angkrish Raghuvanshi (Impact Sub)

Lucknow Super Giants Predicted Playing XI: Aiden Markram, Mitchell Marsh/Digvesh Rathi (Impact Sub), Nicholas Pooran, Rishabh Pant (Captain), Ayush Badoni, David Miller, Abdul Samad/Shahbaz Ahmed, Shardul Thakur, Ravi Bishnoi, Avesh Khan, Akash Deep

See Also: KKR vs LSG: Match 21 Weather and Pitch Report IPL 2025

IPL 2025, Match 21: KKR vs LSG Dream11 Top Captains And Vice-captains

Top 3 Captain choices

Nicholas Pooran: Caribbean cricketer Nicholas Pooran has proven himself one of the most dangerous batters with his strong six-hitting abilities. He has scored 75, 70, 44, and 12 runs this season and also holds the record for most sixes in this IPL season with 16 sixes. 

Mitchell Marsh: In the ongoing IPL season, Australian cricketer Mitchell Marsh scored 72, 52, 0, and 60 runs, respectively. He is providing fiery starts with a strike rate of 160+. 

Varun Chakravarthy: Leg-spinner Varun Chakravarthy is a key name in the KKR squad, who is currently in dream form with the ball. He has taken six wickets in four matches this IPL season, including taking three wickets in their last game against SunRisers Hyderabad. 

Top 3 Vice-captain choices

Sunil Narine: Caribbean cricketer Sunil Narine is still fighting hard to find his form. In this IPL season, his best performance is a 44-run knock as an opener in the first match of the tournament. He has also picked up two wickets in three matches this season. 

Andre Russell: Another KKR all-rounder Andre Russell hasn't produced his fiery batting performance yet as he hasn't managed double-digit scores in three innings of this tournament. However, in the last two games, Russell picked up two wickets each. 

Shardul Thakur: While KKR's top-order batting is struggling, LSG pacer Shardul Thakur will have an important role with the new ball. He has already taken seven wickets in four matches in the IPL 2025, including picking up two wickets in his first over of their first two matches of the season. 

Kolkata Knight Riders vs Lucknow Super Giants (KKR vs LSG) has been scheduled for the 21st match of the IPL 2025, which Eden Gardens (Kolkata) will host on Tuesday afternoon (April 8). Both teams will play their fifth match of the season, while both have four points each, with two wins and two losses for each team.

Defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders' top-order batting is a big concern, as they are failing to provide confident starts. It has affected the three-time champions despite managing to win two games. Among the KKR bowlers, Varun Chakaravarthy (six wickets), Vaibhav Arora (six wickets), and Andre Russell (four wickets) have impressed. 

On the other hand, Lucknow Super Giants' top-order batting has brought strong answers, and the middle-order batters need to play more responsibly. Their pace bowling unit is slowly recovering from the injury, which can make the team better.

IPL 2025, Match 21: KKR vs LSG - Detailed Match Preview

Match Type: League

Match No: 21

Match: Kolkata Knight Riders vs Lucknow Super Giants (KKR vs LSG)

Venue: Eden Gardens, Kolkata

Match Date (Day): April 8, 2025 (Tuesday)

Official Toss Time: 15:00 local time

Official Match Start Time: 15:30 local time

See Also: KKR vs LSG: Match 21 Weather and Pitch Report IPL 2025

IPL 2025, Match 21: KKR vs LSG - Venue Stats

Eden Gardens (Kolkata) has hosted two night matches in the IPL 2025. After Royal Challengers Bengaluru won the tournament opener by seven wickets, its second game experienced an 80-run defeat for the visitors SunRisers Hyderabad. 

• In the last seven day/night IPL matches at Eden Gardens, six fixtures experienced successful chasing, before the last game experienced a one-run win. 

IPL 2025, Match 21: KKR vs LSG - Head-to-Head

• Kolkata Knight Riders won the last two meetings after losing their first three meetings. 

In the 21st match of the IPL 2025, the Kolkata Knight Riders vs Lucknow Super Giants (KKR vs LSG) match has been scheduled for Tuesday afternoon (April 8) at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. 

Both KKR and LSG will play their fifth match of the season. Both teams have four points each by recording two wins and two losses. Defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders beat Rajasthan Royals (by eight wickets) and SunRisers Hyderabad (by 80 runs), but lost against Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Mumbai Indians by seven wickets and eight wickets, respectively. 

On the other hand, Lucknow Super Giants started the IPL 2025 with a one-wicket defeat against Delhi Capitals but then beat SunRisers Hyderabad by five wickets. After losing by eight wickets against Punjab Kings, LSG beat Mumbai Indians by 12 runs. 

See Also: KKR vs LSG: Match 21 Weather and Pitch Report IPL 2025

IPL 2025, Match 21: KKR vs LSG - Playing XIs status 

KKR's top-order batting has disappointed, and it is a major concern for the team. Also, the middle-order batting needs to click consistently, which can be tested in the upcoming matches. South African pacer Anrich Nortje’s return can be key for the team.

The top-order batting for LSG is a strength for the team, while the middle orders are still vulnerable. Skipper Rishabh Pant’s poor form is badly affecting the camp. The pace-bowling squad is slowly recovering from the injury, which is a big relief for Shardul Thakur and the team management. While the match will be played in Kolkata, the Bengal all-rounder Shahbaz Ahmed can play an X-factor role, who also hit a century during the latest Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy season (2024-25).

IPL 2025, Match 21: KKR vs LSG Probable Playing XI

Kolkata Knight Riders Predicted Playing XI: Sunil Narine, Quinton de Kock (wk), Ajinkya Rahane (Captain), Rinku Singh, Venkatesh Iyer, Ramandeep Singh, Andre Russell, Harshit Rana, Anrich Nortje/Spencer Johnson, Varun Chakravarthy, Vaibhav Arora/Angkrish Raghuvanshi (Impact Sub)

Lucknow Super Giants Predicted Playing XI: Aiden Markram, Mitchell Marsh/Digvesh Rathi (Impact Sub), Nicholas Pooran, Rishabh Pant (Captain), Ayush Badoni, David Miller, Abdul Samad/Shahbaz Ahmed, Shardul Thakur, Ravi Bishnoi, Avesh Khan, Akash Deep

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) will face Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on April 7, 2025, at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. This thrilling contest between two strong teams will be influenced by the weather and pitch conditions, which will play a crucial role in determining the result of the match.

Match Details

• Date: April 7, 2025
• Time: 3:30 PM IST
• Venue: Eden Gardens, Kolkata
• Win% % Batting First: 40%
• Win% % Bowling First: 58%

Follow for more: https://www.cricketwinner.com/

Weather Report:

Kolkata’s weather forecast for match day looks promising with no threat of rain. Clear skies and mild winds are expected, making it ideal for a full game. The temperature will start around 31°C and gradually cool down during the match.

• Temperature: Starting at 31°C and cooling off as the game progresses.
• Winds: Light winds, with no major impact on gameplay.
• Precipitation: No rain forecast, ensuring a continuous match.
• Humidity: Moderate levels of humidity are expected but won't cause any major issues. (64% humidity).

Also read:IPL 2025: KKR vs LSG Prediction– Match 21, Who will win today?

Pitch Report:

Eden Gardens is renowned for its lively pitch, which offers a good balance between bat and ball. The pitch offers decent bounce and carry for the pacers but also gives batsmen the chance to play aggressive shots. It is generally a high-scoring venue, and fans can expect a thrilling contest.

• Batting and Bowling Friendly: While pacers may get some movement early on, the pitch is mostly friendly for aggressive batting.
• Spinners: Spinners may come into play during the latter stages of the match, but overall, it favors batsmen.
• Boundary Dimensions: Eden Gardens has relatively large boundaries, but batsmen can still clear them with the right shots.

Venue Records:

• Highest Team Total: 262/2 by PBKS against Kolkata Knight Riders.
• Lowest Team Total: 49/10 by RCB against Kolkata Knight Riders.
• Average First Innings Score: Around 170 runs.

With favorable weather conditions and a pitch that promises a great contest between bat and ball, the KKR vs LSG match is set to be an exciting one at the Eden Gardens.