Credit: X
The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 match between defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and the 2016 champions Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at iconic Eden Gardens delivered a startling view for cricket supporters as there was low attendance at the iconic venue. In the crucial game, hosts KKR were put to bat first by SRH captain Pat Cummins, who emerged as the winner of the toss against his counterpart Ajinkya Rahane. Both Kolkata and Hyderabad have won only one game after their three outings respectively. The Sunrisers are in the eighth spot on the points table while the reigning champions are placed at the bottom of the tally.
After witnessing Kolkata’s empty stands, cricket supporters looked desolated and expressed their sorrow on social media sites. An X user named K Uday wrote, “So many empty seats in Eden Gardens? Is it some sort of revenge/protest from fans against CAB curator. #KKRvsSRH #KKRvSRH.”
KKR recover after disappointing start
Batting first, KKR got an underwhelming start from their openers Quinton de Kock (one off six) and Sunil Narine (seven off seven). In the crunch situation, captain Ajinkya Rahane stepped up and produced a fine knock of 38 off 27, with five boundaries (four maximums and a four).
Angkrish Raghuvanshi assisted his skipper and built an 81-run stand off just 51 balls. Raghuvanshi fell against Kamindu Mendis after hitting 50 off 32. As of writing, Venkatesh Iyer and Rinku Singh are at the crease and they will be expected to have a blast with their bats for the hosts.
