KKR Clinch Last-Ball Thriller Against RR as Rajasthan Suffer Another Agonizing Loss in IPL 2025:

Suspense crime, Digital Desk : In a heart-stopping finish, Kolkata Knight Riders managed to pull through against Rajasthan Royals by just one run at Eden Gardens. The victory is significant for KKR before IPL 2025 playoffs. The KKR victory renewed their enthusiasm, which is bound to act as a major boost for them in the tournament.

“Such wins give us momentum and self-belief,” said Varun Chakaravarthy after the match. “We are confident we can pull off the next three matches.”

Rajasthan Royals Steadily Sliding Downwards After Four Consecutive Narrow Losses

The sloppy defeat made it the fourth narrow defeat for Rajasthan Royals this season which have included the following:

A loss against Lucknow Super Giants by 2 runs

An 11 run loss against Royal Challengers Bengaluru

A loss in super over against Delhi Capitals

And now a final dagger of a 1 run loss to KKR.

“If I’m not counting wrong, that’s four games we should’ve won,” expressed Vikram Rathour, RR’s batting coach. “That has been our season so far; close, but somehow unable to seal the deal.”

Riyan Parag Stand-In’s Captain Heroics Go in Vain

Parag, who served as stand-in captain, delivered a brilliant 95 off 45 balls, including five sixes in one over off Moeen Ali, putting RR in a commanding position to win the game. His dismissal during the 18th off Harshit Rana's sluggish delivery shifted the match’s momentum in the opponent's favor.

Shubham Dubey's last minute fireworks could not get RR across the line, as they still needed 22 runs off the last over.

“As soon as Riyan got out, the match was turning,” Rathour said. “I am sure if he stayed, we’d have resolved it.”

RR lowest Point stands at Their Collective Performance

RR seems to have culminated strong individual batting efforts this season, but as with everything else, falls into the inconsistency pit.

“We’ve not fired in unison in any department, be it batting, bowling, or fielding,” admitted Rathour. “It's not a quality problem. The issue is finishing the games.”

On Jos Buttler’s Exit and Hetmyer’s Form Struggles

The choice of letting Jos Buttler go has raised many eyebrows and even more questions with the way Shimron Hetmyer is performing this season.

“Not in my view. You had six players to retain and we had to make choices,” explained Rathour. Buttler is capped as a key player but Hetmyer was signed to make a great impact as a finisher, had a poor year."

Rathour defended Hetmyer stating no player can go without a bad patch for long, and that does not change their status as elite.

“Absolutely. He's a great player no doubt. It's just a matter of time before he comes back.”