KKR vs LSG: Who Will Pick Up The Most Wickets In IPL 2025 Match 21?

Sanjay Sen

Varun Chakaravarthy for KKR [Source: @KKRWeRuleVarun Chakaravarthy for KKR [Source: @KKRWeRule

It's cos/x.com]

As Kolkata Knight Riders and Lucknow Super Giants prepare to face off at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata, all eyes will be on three key bowlers who could make the difference in this high-stakes encounter.

1. Varun Chakaravarthy (KKR)

Varun Chakaravarthy has been instrumental to KKR's fortunes since having joined them in 2020. In the very first year, the mystery spinner made an impact picking 17 wickets in 13 matches and over the years has been displaying consistent performance.

  • IPL 2025 Form: 6 wickets in 4 matches with an economy of 6.13.
  • Historical and Head-to-Head Impact: Has picked-up 5 LSG wickets in the past and consistently troubled LSG batsmen in previous encounters.
  • Tactical Advantage: His mystery spin creates difficulties for LSG's middle order
  • Match-up Analysis: Has kept Nicholas Pooran relatively quiet in their battles despite Pooran's generally strong form
  • Why He'll Succeed: Varun's economy rate in IPL 2025 has been exceptional, showing he's in top form. His ability to bowl during any phase of the innings gives KKR flexibility, and his variations are particularly effective on Eden Gardens' pitch which offers some grip for spinners. The LSG lineup features several right-handers who have historically struggled against his carrom balls and googlies.

2. Shardul Thakur (LSG)

  • IPL 2025 Form: Shardul Thakur the leading wicket-taker for Lucknow Super Giants with 7 wickets in 4 matches with an economy rate of 10.15 so far in this tournament.
  • Tactical Strength: Known for picking wickets at crucial junctures and in vital times.
  • Phase Specialist: Particularly effective in the middle overs (7-15) after the powerplay overs.
  • Match-up Edge: Has previously dismissed KKR's middle-order batsmen.
  • Why He'll Succeed: Shardul's knack for breaking partnerships makes him a valuable asset against KKR's batting lineup. His current form in IPL 2025 shows he's found his rhythm as LSG's leading wicket-taker. His cross-seam deliveries and slower balls are particularly effective against KKR's attacking batsmen, who might look to take him on and present wicket-taking opportunities.

3. Sunil Narine (KKR)

  • IPL 2025 Form: Sunil Narine Has picked-up 2 wickets in 3 matches with an economy of 7.97 so far in this season
  • Historical Dominance: Has excellent records against several LSG batsmen, picked-up 5 wickets with an economy rate of 5.70 in the past encounters.
  • Tactical Importance and Statistical Edge: Controls runs in the middle phase of innings and has dismissed middle-order batter Ayush Badoni twice in previous encounters
  • Why He'll Succeed: Despite modest wicket statistics in IPL 2025 so far, Narine's economy rate remains impressive for a bowler who often bowls in the powerplay. His ability to strangle the scoring rate creates pressure that often results in wickets at the other end. Against LSG specifically, his variations have proven difficult to read, and the Eden Gardens crowd support typically elevates his performance. His record against LSG's middle order batsmen like Badoni gives him a psychological edge.

These three bowlers combine current form with favorable historical matchups and technical advantages that position them for success in the upcoming LSG vs KKR match. Their varied bowling styles also mean they can be effective in different phases of the game, providing their respective captains with tactical flexibility.