KKN Gurugram Desk | In the IPL 2025 match between Rajasthan Royals and Kolkata Knight Riders on March 26, a significant moment occurred with the introduction of the “second ball rule.” Despite the rule, Rajasthan Royals, under the leadership of stand-in captain Riyan Parag, faced a crushing defeat, losing by eight wickets to KKR. This was Rajasthan’s second consecutive loss in the tournament. The match saw a brilliant performance by Quinton de Kock, who scored an unbeaten 97 runs off 61 balls, guiding Kolkata to their first win of the season.

What is the ‘Second Ball Rule’?

The “second ball rule” is a new feature in IPL 2025, introduced to balance out the impact of dew on evening matches. In evening games, if the umpires believe that dew is affecting the game, they can allow the use of a new ball starting from the 11th over of the second innings. This rule is designed to keep the game balanced, ensuring that the chasing team doesn’t get an unfair advantage from the dew, which can make the ball easier to bat with. The new rule will only apply to evening matches, not afternoon games.

This regulation aims to create a level playing field by minimizing the advantages that the chasing team would typically have when there is dew on the ground. Often, teams winning the toss in evening games opt to bowl first to take advantage of the dry conditions in the second innings. The introduction of the second ball will make both innings more competitive, ensuring that both teams have an equal opportunity, regardless of whether they bat or bowl first.

Match Breakdown: Rajasthan Royals vs Kolkata Knight Riders

In a high-stakes match played at the Raspara ground in Guwahati, Rajasthan Royals struggled to adapt to the challenging conditions. Batting first after being invited, Rajasthan managed to post a modest total of just 151 runs for the loss of 9 wickets in their 20 overs. The pitch at Raspara seemed to stop and hold the ball, making run-scoring difficult. Rajasthan’s batsmen, including captain Riyan Parag, found it tough to settle on their home ground. Despite their best efforts, the Royals could not capitalize on the conditions and struggled to build partnerships.

Kolkata’s bowling attack, led by Varun Chakravarthy (2 wickets for 17 runs) and Moeen Ali (2 wickets for 23 runs), was impressive. The KKR bowlers exploited the pitch conditions well and restricted Rajasthan to a below-par total. Chakravarthy’s mystery spin and Ali’s tight lines were key in keeping the run rate in check, while also picking up crucial wickets.

KKR’s Successful Chase Led by Quinton de Kock

In response, Kolkata Knight Riders lost early wickets but were steadied by a brilliant knock from Quinton de Kock. The South African wicketkeeper-batsman played an anchor role and ensured that KKR chased down the target with ease. His unbeaten 97 off 61 balls was a match-winning performance, with de Kock displaying great composure even as KKR lost early wickets.

Kolkata was in a bit of trouble early on, losing wickets of Moeen Ali (5 runs) and captain Ajinkya Rahane (18 runs) quickly. However, de Kock held the innings together and formed a crucial partnership with young Angkrish Raghuwanshi. The pair put on 83 runs off 44 balls for the third wicket, with Raghuwanshi contributing a valuable 22 runs off 17 balls. Their partnership not only steadied the ship but also ensured that KKR could comfortably chase down the target in 17.3 overs, with two wickets remaining.

The win was a significant one for KKR, who had been under pressure following a slow start to the season. This victory marked their first win in IPL 2025 and could be a turning point for them in the tournament. Quinton de Kock’s innings was a testament to his skill and composure under pressure, and he was rightly named the Player of the Match for his match-winning knock.

Key Moments and Players of the Match

• Quinton de Kock’s Unbeaten 97: Quinton de Kock’s knock of 97 runs off 61 balls was the highlight of the match. His innings featured 9 boundaries and 3 sixes, demonstrating his ability to accelerate the game even in challenging conditions. His steadying presence was crucial for KKR as they chased down a modest total.

• Varun Chakravarthy and Moeen Ali’s Bowling Masterclass: The bowlers led by Varun Chakravarthy were instrumental in restricting Rajasthan Royals. Chakravarthy’s mystery spin troubled the batsmen, while Moeen Ali’s economical bowling ensured that Rajasthan could not capitalize on any early partnerships.

• Riyan Parag’s Leadership Struggles: Rajasthan Royals’ captain, Riyan Parag, had a challenging game as the team could not adapt to the pitch conditions. Despite his leadership, the team struggled to score runs and ultimately faced their second consecutive defeat. Parag’s leadership will come under scrutiny as the Royals look to bounce back from their losses.

Impact of the Second Ball Rule on the Match

The new rule of introducing a second ball from the 11th over of the second innings had a limited impact on this match. Although Rajasthan Royals requested the umpires to change the ball during the 17th over of KKR’s innings, the rule couldn’t turn the tide in their favor. Even with the use of the new ball, KKR managed to chase the target comfortably, showcasing the skill and adaptability of their batsmen. This showed that while the second ball rule might balance conditions, the key to success still lies in effective batting and bowling strategies.

What This Means for Rajasthan Royals’ IPL 2025 Campaign

Rajasthan Royals now face an uphill battle in IPL 2025 as they have suffered back-to-back defeats. Their performance on home ground in Guwahati was far from ideal, and they will need to address their batting struggles and adapt to challenging pitch conditions if they are to remain competitive in the tournament. The Royals have a strong squad, but they will need to adjust their strategies, particularly their batting line-up, to overcome these early setbacks.

Riyan Parag’s leadership is under the spotlight, and he will need to guide his team through these challenging times. Rajasthan’s bowling attack, while decent, needs to find a way to counter high-pressure situations better and provide the necessary support to their batting order.

KKR’s Path Forward After Their First Win

On the other hand, Kolkata Knight Riders will take confidence from this much-needed victory. With Quinton de Kock finding form and the bowlers stepping up, KKR will look to build momentum in the coming matches. The victory over Rajasthan has given them a boost, and they will now aim to continue this form in their upcoming matches.

As the IPL 2025 progresses, Kolkata’s key players, including de Kock, Chakravarthy, and Rahane, will be crucial in their campaign. With the balance of the team starting to fall into place, KKR can look forward to climbing up the points table if they maintain their form.

The IPL 2025 match between Rajasthan Royals and Kolkata Knight Riders will be remembered for the debut of the second ball rule, but more importantly, for Quinton de Kock’s match-winning performance. Rajasthan Royals, despite the introduction of the new rule, could not capitalize on the conditions and were handed their second consecutive defeat. Meanwhile, KKR’s much-needed win, led by de Kock’s brilliance, has given them hope for the rest of the season. As the tournament progresses, both teams will need to adjust their strategies and improve their performances to remain competitive in the IPL.