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

After losing to PBKS in a thrilling low-scoring affair by a 16-run margin, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) will take on the table toppers, Gujarat Titans (GT), in the 39th game of the ongoing Indian Premier League 2025 (IPL 2025). The game will be played at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Monday, April 21, at 7:30 PM (IST). 

Kolkata Knight Riders are currently placed in the sixth spot in the tournament’s points table, with three wins and four defeats in their seven games so far. They are coming off a defeat against PBKS in the last game following an 8-wicket win against CSK. A win in this game will help them move a bit closer to the list of ‘top four’ teams in the standings. 

With that said, here we’ll have a look at the predicted playing XI of the Kolkata Knight Riders for their upcoming clash against the Gujarat Titans. 

Openers  

The opening pair of KKR will look the same as the pair of Quinton de Kock and Sunil Narine will start the innings for their side. The duo has been in a decent run of form in the tournament so far. However, they failed to get a good start in the last game against PBKS, but the De Kock-Narine duo will aim to make a stronger comeback in the upcoming game against GT. 

De Kock has scored 143 runs in seven innings in IPL 2025, hitting a half-century and batting strike rate of 137.50. On the other hand, Sunil Narine has also aggregated 130 runs in six innings, with an amazing strike rate of 185.71, with a half-century to his credit. 

Middle-Order 

The middle order of the defending champions is expected to start with the veteran batter and skipper Ajinkya Rahane, who showed a bit of resilience amidst a batting collapse against PBKS in the last game. He scored 17 runs off 17 balls, alongside stitching a crucial 55-run partnership for the third wicket with young number four batter Angkrish Raghuvanshi. 

Besides Rahane, Raghuvanshi also played a crucial knock of 37 runs off 28 balls, with five fours and a six, before KKR fell into a big collapse. Following Rahane and Raghuvanshi, Venkatesh Iyer will be there to bat at number five to contribute some important runs in the middle-order. Rinku Singh and Ramandeep Singh could be the crucial assets with the bat for RR at number six and seven. 

All-Rounder

The Caribbean stalwart Andre Russell is highly likely to be picked as a specialist all-rounder in KKR’s playing XI for the next game against GT. He was one of the very few ‘performers with the bat’ amidst a collapse for KKR in the last game against PBKS. Russell’s 17 runs off 11 balls, with one four and two sixes, gave hope to his side when they were chasing the low target of 111 runs and had already lost 9 wickets before getting all out at 95.  

Besides his batting, Russell could also be very crucial with the ball as an extra pacer in KKR’s bowling setup. He could play a vital role with the ball in the middle overs. So, the management will look towards him as an all-rounder in the final XI. 

Bowlers  

The bowling attack of the Knight Riders is likely to feature three out-and-out pacers, Harshit Rana, Vaibhav Arora and Anrich Nortje. Rana bowled a sensational spell in the last game against PBKS, scalping 3 wickets at 25 runs in his three overs, alongside a wicket each bagged by Vaibhav Arora and Anrich Nortje. 

Besides this pace trio, the star in-form spinner Varun Chakravarthy can be selected as a specialist spinner in the playing XI. He could be introduced as an impact player, replacing any specialist batter or vice versa. Chakravarthy bowled the most economical spell for KKR in the last game against PBKS as he claimed 2 wickets at just 21 runs in his 4 overs.  

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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