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

The ‘struggling’ defending champions, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), will face the in-form Delhi Capitals (DC) in IPL 2025’s 48th game at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi. The game will be played on Tuesday, April 28, at 7:30 PM (IST). It will be a crucial and must-win game for KKR to keep their hopes alive in the tournament, improving their numbers.

KKR are coming off a ‘no-result’ game against PBKS in their last fixture, following a big 39-run defeat against GT and a 16-run defeat against PBKS. They are currently placed in the seventh spot on the points tally, with only three wins and five defeats in their nine games so far, earning 7 points to their name. 

Given that, here we’ll have a look at the predicted playing XI of the Kolkata Knight Riders for their upcoming clash against the Delhi Capitals. 

Openers 

The opening pair of the KKR will look the same, as the duo of wicketkeeper-batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Sunil Narine. Both batters are known for their power-hitting abilities to help their side post a big total on the board. 

The Gurbaz-Narine duo could provide a strong and big opening start to set a foundation for a massive total in the first innings or to chase a big target in the second innings. So, the management might opt to field these two as the openers in the next game against DC. 

Middle-Order  

The middle-order of the KKR is expected to start with skipper Ajinkya Rahane at number three; he has been in a brilliant run of form with the bat in the ongoing IPL 2025. He is also the leading run-scorer for his side in the tournament, scoring 271 runs in eight innings of the nine games, including an unbeaten appearance. He has also scored three half-centuries. 

Rahane will be followed by Venkatesh Iyer at number four to add some crucial runs in the middle order. Later, the star batter Rinku Singh will be there to bat at number five, followed by Rovman Powell at number six. 

All-Rounders 

The Caribbean Stalwart Andre Russell is highly expected to be included as a specialist all-rounder in the KKR playing XI in the game against DC. He also scalped a wicket in the last ‘no-result’ game against PBKS. He could be a crucial element for his side, both with the bat and the ball. 

Russell can play an impactful role in the lower middle order to hit some crucial runs in the death overs to accelerate the scoring rate for KKR, be it in the first innings or the second innings.

Bowlers  

The bowling attack of the holders KKR will include three pacers, Vaibhav Arora, Harshit Rana, and Chetan Sakrariya. Vaibhav Arora scalped 2 wickets at 34 runs in his 4 overs. He will be joined by the fellow pacers, Harshit Rana and Chetan Sakariya, to dominate the DC batters. 

This pace trio will be accompanied by the specialist spinner Varun Chakravarthy in the playing XI for the next game against DC. He also scalped a wicket at 39 runs in his four overs. Chakravarthy will aim to improve his numbers in the next game against the Capitals. 

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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