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The 53rd match of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 between Kolkata Knight Riders and Rajasthan Royals at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, delivered high-octane drama and skill, especially with Varun Chakravarthy’s magical spell that turned the tide in KKR’s favour. Chasing a daunting 207, Rajasthan found themselves in deep trouble after Chakravarthy’s sensational double-wicket over left their middle order in tatters.
Varun Chakravarthy’s bowling masterclass sends Dhruv Jurel and Wanindu Hasaranga packing
With Rajasthan at 71/3 and Riyan Parag fighting a lone battle, Chakravarthy was introduced into the attack and immediately made an impact. On the third ball of his second over (7.3), Chakravarthy unleashed a deceptive googly at 93 km/h. Dhruv Jurel, facing his first ball, failed to read the spin as the ball pitched around the fifth stump, jagged back sharply, and crashed into the stumps before Jurel could bring his bat down in time. It was a classic case of a batter undone by subtle variation and flight.
Two balls later, Chakravarthy struck again. This time, Wanindu Hasaranga was the victim. Another googly, bowled slower at 86 km/h, landed on a length and zipped off the pitch, turning just enough to beat Hasaranga’s inside edge as he attempted a drive through cover. The ball clipped the stumps, sending Hasaranga back for a duck and leaving the Royals reeling at 71/5. Chakravarthy’s over not only showcased his repertoire but also broke the Royals’ backbone, removing two key batters in the space of three deliveries.
Here’s the video:
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Riyan Parag’s lone resistance amidst a tumbling chase
KKR set the stage with an imposing total of 206/4, courtesy of Andre Russell’s explosive unbeaten 57 off just 25 balls, laced with brutal power-hitting. Solid starts from Rahmanullah Gurbaz and young Angkrish Raghuvanshi laid the foundation for the late-innings carnage. In response, Rajasthan Royals endured a nightmare start, losing Vaibhav Suryavanshi and Kunal Singh Rathore within the opening two overs, immediately putting the chase under pressure. Yashasvi Jaiswal momentarily revived hopes with a fiery 34, but his dismissal to Moeen Ali shifted momentum back in KKR’s favor.
Amidst the chaos, Riyan Parag rose to the occasion with a sensational counterattack. Unfazed by the falling wickets around him, Parag unleashed a barrage of boundaries and sixes, crafting a magnificent 95 off just 45 balls, an innings of audacity and composure that kept Rajasthan’s chase alive. Shimron Hetmyer chipped in with a steady hand, and just when the match seemed out of reach, impact substitute Shubham Dubey ignited fresh hope in the final over. He tore into Vaibhav Arora with fearless strokeplay, smashing a blistering 25 that electrified the crowd. But in a heart-stopping finish, Rajasthan fell short by the narrowest of margins, just one run , closing their innings at 205/8, in what will be remembered as one of the most thrilling contests of the season.
