IPL 2025: Predicting KKR’s playing XI for their clash against CSK

The defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) will face the five-time champions, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the 25th fixture of the ongoing Indian Premier League 2025 (IPL 2025). Chennai’s MA Chidambaram Stadium will host this game on Friday, April 11, at 7:30 PM (IST). It will be a crucial game for KKR to improve their numbers in the tournament’s points table. 

Ajinkya Rahane-led KKR are currently placed in the sixth spot on the tournament standings, with two wins and three defeats in their five games so far, having four points to their name. They are coming off a narrow 4-run defeat against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the previous game at their home ground, Eden Gardens in Kolkata. 

Having said that, here we’ll have a look at the predicted playing XI of the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for their upcoming clash against the Chennai Super Kings.  

Also read:- Top 3 batters to watch out for in KKR vs CSK clash 

Openers – Quinton de Kock (WK) and Sunil Narine  

KKR management might bank on the same opening pair of the veteran wicketkeeper-batter Quinton de Kock and star all-rounder Sunil Narine. The duo stitched a quick fiery opening partnership of 37 runs for the first wicket in just 2.3 overs in the last game against LSG but failed to convert it into a big partnership. 

De Kock scored 15 runs off 9 balls, with two sixes while Narine contributed with 30 runs off just 13 balls, with 4 fours and two sixes. The opening pair of De Kock and Narine will aim to provide a strong and big opening start to KKR in their next clash against the out-of-form CSK. 

Middle-Order – Ajinkya Rahane (C), Venkatesh Iyer, Ramandeep Singh, and Rinku Singh 

The middle order of the Knight Riders will start with the veteran number three batter and skipper Ajinkya Rahane. Rahane has been in a brilliant batting form in the tournament so far. He smashed 61 runs off just 35 balls, with six fours and two sixes in the last game against LSG. 

Rahane will be followed by the most expensive bid of KKR, Venkatesh Iyer at number; continuing his blistering form, Iyer scored crucial 45 runs off just 29 balls, with six fours and a six against LSG but it went in vain as KKR eventually lost the game. Ramandeep Singh and Rinku Singh will be there to provide strength to KKR’s batting lineup at number five and six. 

All-Rounder – Andre Russell 

The Caribbean stalwart Andre Russel is expected to be in the role of a specialist all-rounder in the playing XI for KKR in the game against CSK. He could play a vital role both with the bat and the ball. He scalped 1 wicket in his two-over stint during the last game against Lucknow. 

Besides that, Russell might also play an impactful role with the bat while batting in the lower middle order for his side. 

Bowlers – Varun Chakravarthy, Harshit Rana, Vaibhav Arora, and Spencer Johnson 

KKR’s bowling attack might include three out-and-out medium pacers, Harshit Rana, Vaibhav Arora, and Spencer Johnson. Harshit Rana scalped 2 wickets in the previous game against LSG. However, Arora and Johnson couldn’t leave an impact with the ball but they can make a strong comeback in the upcoming game against CSK. 

This pace trio is expected to be accompanied by the star spinner Varun Chakravarthy, who was one of the economical bowlers for KKR when other bowlers were getting smashed by LSG batters in the last game. Chakravarthy conceded only 31 runs in his four-over spell, with a decent economy rate of 7.75. So, he can also make it to the playing XI for the next game in Chennai.  

read more:- Top 3 bowlers to watch out for in KKR vs CSK clash

Disclaimer: This Exclusive News is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.

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Nolan

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