3 player battles to watch out for in KKR vs CSK, Match 57 of IPL 2025 ft. Ajinkya Rahane

The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) will square off against the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the 57th match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. Kolkata's Eden Gardens will host the contest on Wednesday, May 7.

It is a must-win game for the KKR to remain afloat in the playoff race. They currently sit sixth in the standings with 11 points, including five wins and as many defeats, while one game was washed off due to rainfall.

CSK, on the other hand, have nothing but pride to play for. The five-time champions have already been eliminated from the tournament. They are currently at the bottom of the table with only four points from 11 matches.

Although both sides have had contrasting campaigns, they have fiercely competed with each other whenever they have met. On that note, we look at three player battles to watch out for.

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3 player battles to watch out for in KKR vs CSK, Match 57 of IPL 2025

#1 Ajinkya Rahane vs Noor Ahmad

KKR skipper Ajinkya Rahane has been their highest scorer with 327 runs in 10 innings at an average of 36.33, including three half-centuries. However, the veteran batter has struggled against spinners, averaging only 16.86 this season.

Thus, CSK will look to target Rahane with slow left-arm spinner Noor Ahmad. With 16 wickets, the Afghan spinner has been one of CSK's top performers, and he will look to continue his exploits against Kolkata.

Rahane has struggled against Noor in the IPL, scoring only 42 runs off 49 deliveries at a strike rate of 85.7, while getting out only thrice.

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#2 Andre Russell vs Matheesha Pathirana

The dashing KKR all-rounder showcased his brilliance in the last game against the Delhi Capitals, smashing an unbeaten 57 off 25 balls, including four boundaries and six maximums. Andre Russell will aim to continue his stellar form as Kolkata look to challenge for a playoff berth.

However, the West Indian might be challenged by CSK's Matheesha Pathirana. The right-arm pacer has a good slower delivery, which can trouble Russell at the death. Russell has scored only one run against the Sri Lankan pacer off three deliveries, while getting out once.

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#3 Sam Curran vs Sunil Narine

The CSK all-rounder has looked in decent form with the bat in the five games he has played in IPL 2025 so far. Sam Curran has amassed 114 runs at an average of 22.80, including a half-century.

The English all-rounder must play a good hand with the bat if CSK are to bounce back from their four consecutive defeats. Curran will be up against KKR's Sunil Narine, who has all the tricks to trouble the Englishman.

Curran has amassed 61 runs off 43 deliveries in T20s while getting out only once.