Overview – Spotlight on RR’s Team Balance and KKR’s Middle Order
The Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati has served as a part-time home for Rajasthan Royals (RR) since 2023, but success here has been elusive. RR have managed just one win in three games at this venue, with another being washed out. However, Wednesday’s match carries added significance as Riyan Parag, Assam’s own, will lead RR on his home ground—a momentous occasion for both player and state.
Parag has much to consider following RR’s bowling collapse against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), where they came close to conceding the highest total in IPL history. While the batting unit—Sanju Samson, Dhruv Jurel, Shimron Hetmyer, and a promising Shubham Dubey—performed well, the bowlers failed to contain the opposition, and Parag was left with limited options.
Although listed as an allrounder, Parag didn’t bowl in the previous match. Instead, he turned to occasional spinner Nitish Rana. The absence of a reliable fifth or sixth bowling option without compromising on batting depth was evident—something that hasn’t always hurt RR in the past but proved costly this time. Bringing in Wanindu Hasaranga or Parag stepping up with the ball might help restore balance.
In contrast, defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have several allrounders at their disposal. But their defeat in the opener against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) exposed vulnerabilities in their middle and lower-middle order. The experienced core—Venkatesh Iyer, Andre Russell, Rinku Singh, and Ramandeep Singh—failed to make a significant impact, resulting in a subpar finish with the bat.
While KKR are unlikely to abandon their successful 2024 formula after just one game, another poor show could raise concerns, especially with a game against Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede coming up next.
Wednesday’s clash is a chance for both sides to bounce back and secure their first points of IPL 2025.
Team News and Possible XIs – Will Hasaranga Feature?
Sanju Samson, still recovering from finger surgery, is expected to come in as RR’s impact player. Despite Jofra Archer’s expensive spell (0/76 – the worst bowling figures in IPL history), he may retain his place. However, RR could consider bringing in Akash Madhwal for his death-over skills. Given KKR’s spin-hitting opener Sunil Narine, Maheesh Theekshana may make way for Hasaranga.
Possible RR XI:
- Sanju Samson, 2. Yashasvi Jaiswal, 3. Riyan Parag (capt), 4. Nitish Rana, 5. Dhruv Jurel (wk), 6. Shimron Hetmyer, 7. Shubham Dubey, 8. Jofra Archer, 9. Maheesh Theekshana/Wanindu Hasaranga, 10. Sandeep Sharma, 11. Fazalhaq Farooqi, 12. Tushar Deshpande/Akash Madhwal
KKR skipper Ajinkya Rahane expressed confidence in his relatively inexperienced pace unit. While a change is unlikely, Anrich Nortje could replace Spencer Johnson if the team opts for extra pace and bounce.
Possible KKR XI:
- Quinton de Kock (wk), 2. Sunil Narine, 3. Ajinkya Rahane (capt), 4. Venkatesh Iyer, 5. Angkrish Raghuvanshi, 6. Rinku Singh, 7. Andre Russell, 8. Ramandeep Singh, 9. Harshit Rana, 10. Spencer Johnson/Anrich Nortje, 11. Varun Chakravarthy, 12. Vaibhav Arora
Key Questions and Players to Watch
Will Hasaranga Make a Comeback?
Once the top-ranked T20I bowler in the world and currently sitting at No. 4, Wanindu Hasaranga was left out in RR’s last game for tactical reasons, not due to injury. Given the balance issues, his inclusion could be crucial.
Players in Focus: Dhruv Jurel and Quinton de Kock
- Dhruv Jurel impressed with a 35-ball 70 against SRH, justifying his pre-auction retention. As RR’s No. 5, he plays a vital role in bridging the top and lower order. While excellent against pace (SR 162.56), he’s been less aggressive against spin (SR 123.76). Against KKR’s spin duo Narine and Chakravarthy, this matchup will be pivotal.
- Quinton de Kock was preferred over Rahmanullah Gurbaz, despite the latter’s strong 2023. De Kock has struggled recently—averaging 22.72 in IPL 2024 and scoring only 159 runs in 10 SA20 innings. With Narine as another hit-or-miss opener, KKR need de Kock to provide consistency at the top.
