KKR Make Themselves at 'Home' in Guwahati with Thumping 8-wkt Win

Defending champions bounce back from defeat in IPL 2025 opener with strong allround performance

- TRIDIB BAPARNASH

On the eve of their IPL clash against Rajasthan Royals, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) bowling coach Bharat Arun cheekily dubbed Guwahati as his team's "second home"—citing the city's proximity to Kolkata and shared familiarity in language and conditions. On match day, his side backed up that statement with authority, cruising to an emphatic eight-wicket win to get their campaign up and running.

Opting to bowl first, KKR's disciplined attack spearheaded by the spin duo of Varun Chakravarthy (2/17) and Moeen Ali (2/23) stifled a star-studded Royals lineup, restricting them to a below-par 151/9 on a surface that offered grip and turn.

In response, Quinton de Kock delivered a batting masterclass, hammering an unbeaten 97 off 61 deliveries to steer KKR to victory with 15 balls to spare. The former South African wicketkeeper-batter was in control from the start, dominating a 41-run opening stand with Moeen, who was promoted to the top in the absence of Sunil Narine (rested due to a niggle). Moeen managed only 5 before a casual run-out cut his innings short.