Narine Meets His ‘Fanboy’ Rathi as KKR, LSG Look to Sustain Momentum
KOLKATA, April 7:
In what promises to be a thrilling afternoon encounter at Eden Gardens on Tuesday, Kolkata Knight Riders’ (KKR) veteran spinner Sunil Narine will take on Lucknow Super Giants’ (LSG) emerging all-rounder Digvesh Rathi, a player who has long idolized the West Indian star.
The clash carries extra emotional weight as Rathi, often dubbed Narine’s ‘clone’ for his unorthodox style and similar bowling action, gets the opportunity to go head-to-head with his cricketing inspiration. The two are expected to share not only the field but also a heartfelt moment before the match, underscoring the IPL’s magic in bringing generations together.
Both KKR and LSG enter the game with identical records — two wins and two losses — sitting firmly in the mid-table zone. A win here could provide the momentum each team needs to solidify its playoff ambitions.
Mixed Fortunes for KKR
Kolkata’s campaign began on shaky ground with losses to Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Mumbai Indians. However, the team bounced back in style with a commanding victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad, thanks to an inspired middle-order performance that finally clicked after a prolonged slump.
Sunil Narine, who has been one of the franchise’s most dependable players over the years, continues to be a key figure with the ball and the bat when needed. The showdown with Rathi will be particularly intriguing, as both spinners could play pivotal roles on a slow Eden Gardens track.
LSG’s Rising Star
For Lucknow, Digvesh Rathi has quickly become one of the breakout stories of the season. His all-round capabilities and mature gameplay have drawn praise from fans and experts alike. His admiration for Narine is no secret, having modeled parts of his bowling technique after the West Indies legend.
LSG skipper KL Rahul will look to Rathi and the rest of his squad to step up against a rejuvenated KKR, knowing full well how quickly momentum shifts in the high-stakes IPL format.
What’s at Stake
With both teams tied on four points, Tuesday’s encounter is more than just a personal reunion — it’s a crucial battle for positioning. A win could set the tone for a strong mid-season run, while a loss may raise questions as the tournament progresses.
Fans can expect drama, flair, and maybe even a warm post-match hug between mentor and fanboy — Narine and Rathi — in what could be one of the most memorable moments of IPL 2025.
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