In the high-stakes world of the Indian Premier League (IPL), all eyes are set on the upcoming clash between Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at Eden Gardens on April 3, 2025. As both teams look to regain their momentum, SRH's assistant coach Ryan Cook has come out in strong support of pacer Mohammed Shami, who is eager to bounce back from a challenging start to the season.
Shami, who was acquired by SRH for a hefty sum of Rs 10 crore during the IPL 2025 mega auction, has struggled to find his rhythm since returning from an ankle injury that sidelined him for the previous season. In three matches so far, he has only managed to secure two wickets while maintaining an economy rate of 11.22, which has raised concerns among fans and analysts alike.
Despite Shami's rocky form, Cook remains optimistic. "Mohammad Shami is an excellent bowler and has proved himself for many, many years. This pitch will suit him. It shows that a good length here is exactly what is needed. So looking forward to watching him bowl tomorrow," Cook stated during the pre-match press conference.
Shami, who was the Purple Cap holder in IPL 2023 with an impressive tally of 28 wickets from 17 matches, is familiar with Eden Gardens, having played there extensively in domestic tournaments. This familiarity could be crucial as he aims to rediscover his form against a KKR side that has also faced its share of struggles early in the season.
Both teams have had a rocky start to IPL 2025, with KKR winning only one out of their first three matches, placing them in a precarious position as they prepare to face SRH. The last time these two teams met, KKR emerged victorious, and the Hyderabad franchise will be looking to avenge their loss in the IPL 2024 final.
Cook also took the opportunity to praise another player on his roster, wrist-spinner Zeeshan Ansari, who made a significant impact in his debut match against Delhi Capitals by taking three wickets. "Zeeshan’s been fantastic, you know, he's impressed in the camp, in the warm-up games, and then obviously in the game the other night, picking up 3 wickets on debut. So, I'm sure he should be able to get another run in the next couple of games," Cook said.
As the match approaches, the pitch conditions at Eden Gardens have been the subject of scrutiny. Curator Sujan Mukherjee has been in discussions with the Cricket Association of Bengal about the ideal surface for the match, which has raised questions about whether it will favor spinners or pacers. Regardless, Cook is hopeful that the conditions will be conducive for Shami to shine.
With both teams eager to improve their standings—SRH currently sits at eighth place with only two points and a net run rate of -0.871—the stakes couldn’t be higher. The match promises to be a thrilling encounter as both sides seek to regain their footing in the tournament.
As the countdown to the match begins, fans are left wondering if Shami can rise to the occasion and deliver a performance that matches his past accolades. Will the seasoned pacer find his form at Eden Gardens, or will KKR continue their dominance over SRH? The cricketing world will be watching closely as the drama unfolds.
