Rajasthan Royals are to host Kolkata Knight Riders in a strategically important IPL 2025 game at Guwahati. Both teams have entered the competition with renewed ideas and changed dynamics of leadership. Riyan Parag is leading the Rajasthan Royals, whereas Ajinkya Rahane is commanding the Kolkata Knight Riders.
Rajasthan Royals come with a powerful batting lineup consisting of firebrands like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shimron Hetmyer. With the inclusion of Jofra Archer and Wanindu Hasaranga, it makes for a highly competitive bowling attack, giving many options tactically.
The Kolkata Knight Riders retaliate with power, with Ajinkya Rahane leading a team of match-winners: Andre Russell and the ever-reliable Sunil Narine.
Match Details:
Match: Rajasthan Royals vs Kolkata Knight Riders, IPL 2025
Date: Wednesday, March 26, 2025
Time: To Be Confirmed
Venue: Guwahati
Team News and Predicted Playing XIs
Rajasthan Royals Predicted XI
Batting First:
Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sanju Samson (c/wk), Shimron Hetmyer, Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel, Shubham Dubey, Nitish Rana, Wanindu Hasaranga, Jofra Archer, Tushar Deshpande, Akash Madhwal
Bowling First:
Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sanju Samson (c/wk), Shimron Hetmyer, Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel, Nitish Rana, Wanindu Hasaranga, Jofra Archer, Tushar Deshpande, Akash Madhwal, Kumar Kartikeya Singh
Impact Players:
Kunal Rathore/Kumar Kartikeya Singh, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Yudhvir Charak, Kwena Maphaka, Ashok Sharma
Kolkata Knight Riders Predicted XI
Batting-first:
Quinton de Kock (wk), Ajinkya Rahane (c), Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Rinku Singh, Andre Russell, Rovman Powell, Venkatesh Iyer, Moeen Ali, Sunil Narine, Anrich Nortje, Varun Chakaravarthy
Bowling-first:
Quinton de Kock (wk), Ajinkya Rahane (c), Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Rinku Singh, Andre Russell, Rovman Powell, Venkatesh Iyer, Moeen Ali, Sunil Narine, Anrich Nortje, Harshit Rana
Impact Players:
Rahmanullah Gurbaz/Harshit Rana, Manish Pandey, Ramandeep Singh, Spencer Johnson, Luvnith Sisodia
Players to Watch
Rajasthan Royals:
The batting breakthrough potential of Yashasvi Jaiswal is much needed for the success of RR.
Much interest will also be on the return of Jofra Archer to see if he can produce the kind of match-changing bowling performances.
Sanju Samson is a strong captain for the team, and he leads and strategizes the captaincy for the team.
Kolkata Knight Riders:
The explosively all-around capabilities of Andre Russell still pose a huge threat.
Interesting to see Ajinkya Rahane’s tactical leadership in a new role.
Bowling variation in tactics and strategies by Sunil Narine takes wickets at crucial junctures.
Dream11 Fantasy Team Prediction:
Wicketkeepers: Sanju Samson, Quinton de Kock
Batters: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rinku Singh, Ajinkya Rahane
All-rounders: Andre Russell (vc), Moeen Ali, Venkatesh Iyer
Bowlers: Jofra Archer, Anrich Nortje, Sunil Narine
Team Composition: RR 5-6 KKR | Credits Left: 12
Backups: Riyan Parag (RR), Rovman Powell (KKR)
The Nehru Stadium in Guwahati has a balanced pitch catering to both batters and bowlers, with evening conditions perhaps favoring pace bowlers initially and spin as the match moves ahead.
The dew factor would play a crucial role, with the two teams probably preferring to chase after winning the toss for that reason. The two teams will have to quickly adjust to the pitch conditions and make strategic decisions on that basis.
Final Thoughts
This match promises to be a closely contested and exciting match between two of the competitive teams that will look to start their IPL 2025 campaign well. Experienced overseas stars mixed with shining young Indian talent provide an exciting, competitive arena of strategy and brilliance.