In an electrifying encounter at Eden Gardens, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) faced off against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the 15th match of the IPL 2025 on April 3, 2025. The match was notable not only for the competitive spirit displayed but also for the debut of Kamindu Mendis, a unique all-rounder from Sri Lanka, who made headlines for his ambidextrous bowling skills.
SRH won the toss and opted to bowl first, a decision that set the tone for an action-packed match. Captain Pat Cummins expressed confidence in his team's strategy, stating, "We are going to have a bowl first. It looks like a pretty good wicket. I’m terrible at reading wickets, but we’ll have a crack with the ball." He emphasized that their best cricket comes when they play aggressively, a sentiment echoed throughout the match.
Sunrisers made significant changes to their lineup, introducing Kamindu Mendis and Simarjeet Singh in place of Travis Head and Abhinav Manohar. Mendis, who became the fourth Sri Lankan to play for SRH, was making his IPL debut after being picked up for INR 75 lakh during the auction. His unique ability to bowl with both arms—left-arm orthodox to right-handers and right-arm off-spin to left-handers—has made him a player to watch.
In the KKR camp, captain Ajinkya Rahane was optimistic about the pitch conditions, saying, "The pitch looks good. Even we were looking to bowl first, as it may suit our spinners. Playing at home, you should get the conditions you want." KKR made one change, bringing in Moeen Ali for Spencer Johnson, as they aimed to solidify their batting order after a rocky start to the tournament.
As the match progressed, KKR struggled initially, losing both openers, Quinton de Kock and Sunil Narine, early in the innings. However, Ajinkya Rahane and Angkrish Raghuvanshi steadied the ship with an impressive 81-run partnership. Rahane scored 38 off 27 balls, while Raghuvanshi dazzled the crowd with a quickfire 50 off just 32 deliveries, boasting a strike rate of 156.25 with 2 sixes and 5 boundaries.
In the 13th over, it was Kamindu Mendis who made his mark. Bowling his first over in the IPL, he showcased his ambidextrous skills by switching arms, first bowling left-arm spin to Raghuvanshi and then right-arm off-spin to Venkatesh Iyer. Mendis made history by becoming the first ambidextrous bowler to take a wicket in the IPL, dismissing Raghuvanshi and finishing with figures of 1-0-4-1. His performance not only impressed fans but also highlighted his potential impact in the tournament.
After the initial setbacks, KKR managed to post a formidable total of 200 runs, thanks to a late surge from Venkatesh Iyer, who scored 60 off 29 balls, and Rinku Singh, who remained unbeaten on 32 off 17 balls. This innings marked a significant milestone for Singh as it was his 50th game for KKR.
As the Sunrisers prepared for their chase, the pressure was on them to deliver, especially after losing two matches in a row since a strong opening game against Rajasthan Royals. The stakes were high, and the SRH squad was eager to turn their fortunes around with the debut of Mendis adding an exciting dimension to their lineup.
Throughout the match, the atmosphere at Eden Gardens was electric, with fans cheering for both teams. The combination of KKR's established players and the fresh talent of Mendis created a captivating narrative that kept spectators on the edge of their seats.
As the game unfolded, it became clear that both teams were looking to secure crucial points in the tournament. With the IPL 2025 still in its early stages, every match carries significant weight, and the performances of players like Kamindu Mendis could very well influence the trajectory of their respective teams.
In conclusion, the IPL 2025 match between KKR and SRH not only showcased high-quality cricket but also introduced a remarkable talent in Kamindu Mendis, whose ambidextrous bowling and all-round capabilities promise to make him a player to watch in the coming matches. As the tournament progresses, fans can expect more thrilling encounters and standout performances from both seasoned players and newcomers alike.
