Reigning champions KKR face SRH in bid to reignite campaign

Defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders and last season’s finalists Sunrisers Hyderabad find themselves in troubled waters, having lost two of their first three games, and both teams will be desperate to revive their campaigns when they lock horns in the IPL here on Thursday.

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KKR skipper Ajinkya Rahane had initially downplayed concerns surrounding his team following a heavy defeat to Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the season opener, insisting there was “no need to panic”.

However, with two losses already — considering KKR lost just three games in their triumphant campaign in IPL 2024 — the mood in the camp is slightly muted.

The focus has now shifted to the Eden Gardens pitch, which has come under scrutiny after KKR’s seven-wicket defeat to RCB.

Former KKR opener Phil Salt and Virat Kohli took the home attack to the cleaners, stitching a 95-run stand off just 51 balls in a one-sided chase of 175.

The Cricket Association of Bengal has been under pressure to produce a track that aids KKR’s spin-heavy attack, comprising Sunil Narine, Moeen Ali and Varun Chakravarthy.

Chakravarthy, fresh from his exploits in the Champions Trophy triumph, struggled on a flat deck against RCB, leaking 10.75 runs per over.