RR vs KKR: Parag Seeks Redemption on Home Turf as Both Teams Eye First Points

Guwahati, March 25, 2025 – Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) will clash on Wednesday at the Barsapara Stadium, both seeking their first points in IPL 2025. While RR’s local hero Riyan Parag will captain the side in his home state of Assam, KKR aims to bounce back from their opening defeat.

RR's All-Rounder Conundrum

RR’s bowling came under severe pressure against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), conceding 277 runs—just shy of the highest-ever IPL total. Their lack of a dependable all-rounder was evident, with Parag not rolling his arm over despite his all-rounder tag. The inclusion of Wanindu Hasaranga could provide balance, but it would require a reshuffle in the XI.

KKR’s Batting Woes

KKR’s top order showed promise in their opener against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), but their middle order faltered. With Venkatesh Iyer, Andre Russell, and Rinku Singh failing to fire, KKR ended with a below-par score, leading to a loss. They are expected to stick to their 2024 strategy but must address consistency issues before their next match against Mumbai Indians.

Key Player Battles

• Jofra Archer vs KKR’s batters: Archer had a nightmare outing against SRH, conceding 76 runs in four overs—the worst figures in IPL history. RR needs him to regain his rhythm.

• Sunil Narine vs RR’s attack: Narine has dominated RR pacer Sandeep Sharma in the past but has struggled against Archer and Fazalhaq Farooqi.

• Andre Russell vs Wanindu Hasaranga: If Hasaranga plays, he could trouble Russell with his googlies—Russell averages just 9.25 against them in the IPL.

Pitch and Conditions

The Barsapara Stadium is a batting paradise, with three previous IPL scores in the 190s. A high-scoring game is expected, with the possibility of Guwahati witnessing its first-ever 200+ IPL total.

Possible Playing XIs

Rajasthan Royals: Samson, Jaiswal, Parag (c), Rana, Jurel (wk), Hetmyer, Dubey, Archer, Theekshana/Hasaranga, Sandeep, Farooqi, Deshpande/Madhwal.
Kolkata Knight Riders: de Kock (wk), Narine, Rahane (c), Iyer, Raghuvanshi, Rinku, Russell, Ramandeep, Harshit, Johnson/Nortje, Chakravarthy, Arora.

With both teams eager for their first win, all eyes will be on Guwahati as IPL 2025 heats up.