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The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 is heating up as Rajasthan Royals (RR) face Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in Match 6 at the Barsapara Stadium, Guwahati. Both teams are under immense pressure after losing their opening games and will be desperate to secure their first points of the season. RR’s bowling collapse against Sunrisers Hyderabad saw them concede a mammoth 286 runs, while KKR fell short by 20 runs against Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
With both teams boasting strong batting lineups but varying levels of bowling consistency, this promises to be an electrifying contest. The pitch at Guwahati favors batters but offers assistance to pacers early on, making it crucial for teams to strike the right balance.
Match Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Match Number | 6th Match |
| Venue | Barsapara Stadium, Guwahati |
| Date & Time | 26th March 2025, 7:30 PM |
| Format | T20 |
Team Previews
Rajasthan Royals Preview
The Rajasthan Royals find themselves in a precarious position after a disastrous start. Their bowling unit was torn apart by SRH’s aggressive batting, conceding 286 runs—the second-highest total in IPL history. Skipper Riyan Parag needs his bowlers to step up, particularly Jofra Archer and Fazalhaq Farooqi, who must deliver tighter lines and lengths. Maheesh Theekshana and Sandeep Sharma leaked runs in the last game and need to rediscover their rhythm.
With the bat, RR boasts one of the strongest lineups in the tournament. Sanju Samson’s explosive knock of 66 off 37 balls showcased his ability to anchor the innings, while Dhruv Jurel announced himself with a blistering 70 off 35 deliveries. Shimron Hetmyer provides firepower in the death overs, and Nitish Rana will look to contribute significantly after failing in the previous match. A solid performance from their bowlers could turn the tide in RR’s favor.
Kolkata Knight Riders Preview
KKR faltered against RCB, managing only 180 runs despite having the firepower to surpass 200. Quinton de Kock’s absence was felt, and his inclusion in this game could stabilize their top order alongside Sunil Narine, who impressed with both bat and ball. Ajinkya Rahane’s composed 56 in the last game highlights his experience, and he will aim to lead the middle order effectively.
KKR’s bowling attack, led by Varun Chakravarthy and Sunil Narine, can exploit the spin-friendly conditions at Guwahati. Vaibhav Arora and Spencer Johnson struggled with the new ball in the last game and need to improve their discipline. Andre Russell’s all-round abilities make him a key player, especially in the lower middle order and death overs. If KKR’s bowlers fire collectively, they have the edge over RR.
Favorite Team to Win Today
| Team | Reasons |
|---|---|
| KKR | Stronger bowling attack, better adaptability to pitch conditions, and more balanced team composition. |
Fantasy Team XI
- WK: Sanju Samson (RR), Quinton de Kock (KKR)
- BAT: Yashasvi Jaiswal (RR), Ajinkya Rahane (c)(KKR), Venkatesh Iyer (KKR)
- AR: Andre Russell (KKR), Shimron Hetmyer (RR), Dhruv Jurel (RR)
- BOWL: Jofra Archer (RR), Sunil Narine (KKR), Varun Chakravarthy (KKR)
Explanation: This fantasy team combines RR’s explosive batting lineup with KKR’s versatile bowling options. Key players like Sanju Samson, Andre Russell, and Sunil Narine add value across departments, ensuring a balanced side.
Captain/Vice-Captain Suggestions
Captain: Andre Russell (KKR) – Explosive all-rounder capable of turning the game around single-handedly.
Vice-Captain: Sanju Samson (RR) – Consistent run-scorer with a high strike rate.
Players to Avoid
- Maheesh Theekshana (RR) – Expensive in the last game; struggling with control.
- Vaibhav Arora (KKR) – Inconsistent with the new ball and prone to leaking runs.
Probable Playing XIs
| Rajasthan Royals | Kolkata Knight Riders |
|---|---|
| Riyan Parag (c) | Ajinkya Rahane (c) |
| Yashasvi Jaiswal | Quinton de Kock (wk) |
| Shubham Dubey | Venkatesh Iyer |
| Nitish Rana | Rinku Singh |
| Dhruv Jurel (wk) | Angkrish Raghuvanshi |
| Shimron Hetmyer | Sunil Narine |
| Jofra Archer | Andre Russell |
| Maheesh Theekshana | Ramandeep Singh |
| Tushar Deshpande | Spencer Johnson |
| Sandeep Sharma | Harshit Rana |
| Fazalhaq Farooqi | Varun Chakravarthy |
Pitch Report
The Barsapara Stadium pitch is expected to be flat and conducive for batting, with some initial assistance for fast bowlers. Spinners will come into play during the middle overs, making it essential for captains to strategize accordingly. The average first-innings score is around 171, with totals exceeding 190 considered competitive.
Toss Prediction
Given past trends, teams tend to chase at this venue due to slightly easier conditions later in the game. Expect the winner of the toss to opt for bowling first.
Winner Prediction
While RR has a formidable batting lineup, their bowling woes may cost them dearly. KKR’s stronger bowling attack, coupled with their depth in batting, gives them the upper hand.
Final Answer: Kolkata Knight Riders
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