Aniket Verma in IPL 2025 (Source:IPLT20.com)
It is time for the match 15 of the Indian Premier League 2025, and it is Kolkata Knight Riders taking on Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Eden Gardens. Both teams would be desperate to get a win under their belt and get their campaign back on track again, and so expect an intense contest.
The home team and the defending champions, KKR are at the bottom of the points table and have won one out of their three matches. SRH also have won only one out of the three matches they have played, but have a better run-rate, and it would be interesting to see how the Orange army react after back-to-back losses. They have famous big-hitters in their line-up, but also have some quality underrated players, and here are some of them who can fire against KKR.
1. Aniket Verma
SRH have plenty of superstars in their line-up, but there is one young batter who has been a surprise package this season, and that is Aniket Verma. He has performed his role in the lower middle order to perfection and has shown great power-hitting skills and temperament.
Aniket Verma in IPL 2025
| Criterion | Data |
| Innings | 3 |
| Runs | 117 |
| Strike-Rate | 205.26 |
| Average | 39 |
As shown in the table, he has a brilliant strike-rate, while he has shown the ability to mould his game according to the situation. In the game, against LSG, his team needed him to start hitting from the onset, and Aniket Verma did exactly that with 36 off 13 balls. In the next match against DC, he weathered the storm and hit 74 off 41 balls to single-handedly take his team to a competitive total.
Thus, Aniket Verma is a man in form, and is a good player of spin bowling, making him an asset who can deliver against KKR.
2. Zeeshan Ansari
Zeeshan Ansari, the leg-spinner made his debut in the last game against Delhi Capitals and impressed straightaway with a three-wicket haul. He was one of the few shining lights for SRH in that game, and on a flat deck, showed the ability to pick wickets.
Zeeshan Ansari In UP T20 League 2024
| Criterion | Data |
| Innings | 12 |
| Wickets | 24 |
| Economy | 7.63 |
| Strike-Rate | 10.00 |
Thus, he is a genuine wicket-taker and it shows in the above table where he was sensational in the UP T20 League 2024. Also, the pitch is expected to help spinners, and thus it would bring Zeeshan Ansari more in the game, and he could trouble KKR batters at the Eden Gardens.
3. Abhinav Manohar
Abhinav Manohar has not performed in the three matches he has played this season, but is a dangerous batter, and could destroy KKR if he finds his groove. He was in brilliant form in the domestic cricket across formats. In SMAT 2024, he hit 106 runs in five innings at a strike-rate of 147.22 and at an average of 53.
Abhinav Manohar In Maharaja T20 Cup 2024
| Criterion | Data |
| Innings | 10 |
| Runs | 507 |
| Strike-Rate | 196.51 |
| Average | 84.50 |
The form in Maharaja T20 2024 was absolutely stunning, and is a quality player against spin which makes him an important asset against KKR bowling attack. Also, the pitch is expected to be a turner, and that is where a player with truckloads of domestic experience can come handy.
 "Aashay Chopade")
