IPL 2025: How does the washout at Eden Gardens affect KKR and PBKS in playoffs race

IPL 2025: How does the washout at Eden Gardens affect KKR and PBKS in playoffs race (PTI Photo)

The rain gods were relentless at Eden Gardens, as what had been shaping up to be a brilliant contest was ultimately abandoned after just 21 overs of action. Punjab Kings had posted an imposing 201 in the first innings against a struggling Kolkata Knight Riders bowling attack, but the weather had the final say.

Shreyas Iyer made his return to Eden Gardens to face his former side, winning the toss and opting to bat first. On a slow-paced pitch, PBKS openers Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh stole the show. After taking a couple of overs to assess the conditions, they accelerated brilliantly, finding boundaries at regular intervals without much difficulty.

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The duo added a commanding 120-run partnership for the first wicket, with both reaching their fifties. However, after their dismissals, PBKS lost momentum. Glenn Maxwell was sent in at number four but failed to fire, and disciplined death bowling from KKR restricted PBKS to just 40 runs in the final five overs.

As KKR began their chase, reaching 7/0 after the first over, a sudden dust storm accompanied by rain interrupted proceedings, forcing the ground staff to cover the pitch. Despite Eden Gardens’ excellent drainage facilities, the persistent rain eventually led to the match being abandoned.

Following the washout, PBKS climbed to fourth in the standings with 11 points from nine matches. They will next travel to Chennai to face the Chennai Super Kings on Wednesday, April 30. Meanwhile, KKR, who remain seventh with seven points from nine matches, will now face the Delhi Capitals on Tuesday, April 29. Though the point gained from the no-result could prove valuable, KKR must start winning consistently to keep their playoff hopes alive.

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Since the introduction of ten teams in 2022, 16 points has typically been the safe threshold for playoff qualification, with net run rate occasionally coming into play. Only once in the three seasons since expansion has a team qualified with just 14 points – Royal Challengers Bengaluru achieved it last year. Otherwise, 16 points have been the minimum requirement.

What KKR need to do?

This washout has now made KKR's path to the playoffs much more difficult. Before this fixture, they needed to win at least five of their remaining six matches to reach the 16-point mark. Now, following the no-result, they must win all of their remaining five matches to surpass 16 points and reach the 17 point mark. Any further slip-ups would severely dent their chances of qualification.

What PBKS need to do?

As for PBKS, the shared point moves them to 11 points from nine matches. They will now need at least three wins from their remaining five fixtures to reach 17 points, which should comfortably secure a playoff spot. Their position in the top four is currently secure, but there is no room for complacency.