Match Preview – KKR vs GT, April 21, 2025, Eden Gardens
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In Match 39 of IPL 2025, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) take on Gujarat Titans (GT) at their fortress, Eden Gardens, on April 21 at 7:30 PM IST. Among the many matchups to watch, the contest between GT opener Jos Buttler and KKR’s mystery spinner Sunil Narine promises to be fascinating.
Both players are match-winners on their day — Buttler with the bat, and Narine with the ball. Let’s take a look at how this duel has unfolded over the years in the IPL.
Head-to-Head Battle: Jos Buttler vs Sunil Narine in IPL
This is a rare battle where the bowler seems to have the upper hand. Here’s a detailed look at their head-to-head numbers in the IPL:
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Innings | 11 |
| Runs Scored | 62 |
| Balls Faced | 59 |
| Batting Average | 62 |
| Batting SR | 105.08 |
| 4s | 3 |
| 6s | 3 |
| Wickets Taken | 1 |
| Extras | 4 |
Jos Buttler has managed only 62 runs in 11 innings against Narine, with a strike rate of just 105.08, and nearly half the balls (26) have been dot balls.
Expert Take
While Buttler hasn’t lost his wicket often to Narine (only once), he also hasn’t been able to dominate him. Narine’s tight lines, variations, and ability to keep the batter guessing have clearly restricted Buttler’s free-flowing style.
For a batter like Buttler, who thrives on hitting boundaries in the powerplay, this controlled battle often forces him to take risks against other bowlers instead of Narine.
The Jos Buttler vs Sunil Narine battle is a classic example of pressure without wickets. If KKR use Narine early to bowl at Buttler, they may succeed in keeping the GT opener quiet again.
Can Narine continue to choke Buttler’s scoring rate? Or will the GT opener finally break the shackles at Eden Gardens?
This battle might not look flashy in numbers but could silently shape the momentum of the match.
