IPL 2025 – RR vs KKR: Rajasthan and Kolkata battle for first win – Eastern Eye

While Rajasthan lost to Hyderabad in Uppal, Kolkata suffered a seven-wicket defeat to Bengaluru at Eden Gardens in their first games.
Both teams are entering this match after disappointing defeats in their opening games.
IN WHAT promises to be a thrilling contest, Rajasthan Royals (RR) will lock horns with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the sixth match of IPL 2025 at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati on 26 March. Both teams are eager to bounce back after losing their opening matches, with each side looking to claim their first points of the season.
Both Rajasthan Royals and Kolkata Knight Riders are coming into this match after disappointing defeats in their opening encounters. Rajasthan Royals, traditionally known for getting off to strong starts, were outplayed by Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), losing by 44 runs in Uppal. Kolkata Knight Riders, meanwhile, suffered a seven-wicket loss to Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) at Eden Gardens.
Historically, RR and KKR have played closely contested matches, and with both teams looking to bounce back, this encounter could be another nail-biting affair. The head-to-head record between these two teams is currently balanced at 14-14, with two matches going to Super Overs, both of which were won by Rajasthan.
KKR’s middle-order woes
In their first game, KKR’s middle order, which includes stars like Andre Russell and Rinku Singh, struggled to deal with RCB’s spin attack. This vulnerability might prompt changes in the batting order, with captain Ajinkya Rahane hinting at promoting Rinku Singh up the order to provide more stability against spin.
RR’s bowling challenges
Rajasthan Royals’ bowling was the primary cause for concern in their defeat to Sunrisers Hyderabad, with Jofra Archer having a particularly tough outing, conceding 76 runs in four overs, an unwanted IPL record. However, the Guwahati pitch could be more forgiving, with a slower surface that may assist the bowlers more than the batting-friendly track in Hyderabad. RR’s bowlers will need to tighten up their lines, especially when it comes to delivering accurate yorkers.
The Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati has seen unpredictable results. While it has favoured batsmen in past T20 games, bowlers who can vary their pace and spinners have also found success on this surface. Dew could play a role in the second innings, making bowling more challenging. The weather is expected to be warm and humid, with a strong local crowd possibly backing KKR. Teams batting first have won two out of three IPL matches held at this venue.
The head-to-head record between Rajasthan Royals and Kolkata Knight Riders stands evenly at 14 wins each. Two of those matches ended in ties, with RR winning both in Super Overs. Their most recent meeting in Guwahati was washed out by rain, but earlier in that season, RR successfully chased down a massive total of 224 at Eden Gardens, courtesy of a century by Jos Buttler.
Rajasthan Royals
Sanju Samson, despite recovering from finger surgery, remains a key figure for RR and will continue to feature as an impact substitute. He played a quickfire knock of 66 against SRH and will aim to replicate that form in this game. Dhruv Jurel and Shubham Dubey have shown good form, adding depth to RR’s middle order. On the bowling front, Jofra Archer and Maheesh Theekshana will look to recover from their poor performances in the opening game.
Kolkata Knight Riders
Ajinkya Rahane, KKR’s captain, impressed with a well-compiled 56 in their first game. Sunil Narine, known for his all-round skills, remains a crucial player with both bat and ball. Despite a quiet game against RCB, Andre Russell’s explosive hitting is always a threat. KKR might also consider bringing in the experienced Anrich Nortje if fully fit to strengthen their pace attack.
Rajasthan Royals:
Kolkata Knight Riders:
Both teams come into this match with specific areas to improve. For RR, it’s about tightening up their bowling attack, while KKR will be focused on getting more out of their middle order. The conditions in Guwahati could favour bowlers, and both teams will be eager to adapt and claim their first victory of IPL 2025.
Cricket fans can expect a competitive game filled with key battles and tactical decisions that could swing the match either way. Don’t miss this exciting contest between two sides hungry for redemption.
Who do you think will win the RR vs KKR match?

IN WHAT promises to be a thrilling contest, Rajasthan Royals (RR) will lock horns with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the sixth match of IPL 2025 at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati on 26 March. Both teams are eager to bounce back after losing their opening matches, with each side looking to claim their first points of the season.
Both Rajasthan Royals and Kolkata Knight Riders are coming into this match after disappointing defeats in their opening encounters. Rajasthan Royals, traditionally known for getting off to strong starts, were outplayed by Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), losing by 44 runs in Uppal. Kolkata Knight Riders, meanwhile, suffered a seven-wicket loss to Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) at Eden Gardens.
Historically, RR and KKR have played closely contested matches, and with both teams looking to bounce back, this encounter could be another nail-biting affair. The head-to-head record between these two teams is currently balanced at 14-14, with two matches going to Super Overs, both of which were won by Rajasthan.
KKR’s middle-order woes
In their first game, KKR’s middle order, which includes stars like Andre Russell and Rinku Singh, struggled to deal with RCB’s spin attack. This vulnerability might prompt changes in the batting order, with captain Ajinkya Rahane hinting at promoting Rinku Singh up the order to provide more stability against spin.
RR’s bowling challenges
Rajasthan Royals’ bowling was the primary cause for concern in their defeat to Sunrisers Hyderabad, with Jofra Archer having a particularly tough outing, conceding 76 runs in four overs, an unwanted IPL record. However, the Guwahati pitch could be more forgiving, with a slower surface that may assist the bowlers more than the batting-friendly track in Hyderabad. RR’s bowlers will need to tighten up their lines, especially when it comes to delivering accurate yorkers.
The Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati has seen unpredictable results. While it has favoured batsmen in past T20 games, bowlers who can vary their pace and spinners have also found success on this surface. Dew could play a role in the second innings, making bowling more challenging. The weather is expected to be warm and humid, with a strong local crowd possibly backing KKR. Teams batting first have won two out of three IPL matches held at this venue.
The head-to-head record between Rajasthan Royals and Kolkata Knight Riders stands evenly at 14 wins each. Two of those matches ended in ties, with RR winning both in Super Overs. Their most recent meeting in Guwahati was washed out by rain, but earlier in that season, RR successfully chased down a massive total of 224 at Eden Gardens, courtesy of a century by Jos Buttler.
Rajasthan Royals
Sanju Samson, despite recovering from finger surgery, remains a key figure for RR and will continue to feature as an impact substitute. He played a quickfire knock of 66 against SRH and will aim to replicate that form in this game. Dhruv Jurel and Shubham Dubey have shown good form, adding depth to RR’s middle order. On the bowling front, Jofra Archer and Maheesh Theekshana will look to recover from their poor performances in the opening game.
Kolkata Knight Riders
Ajinkya Rahane, KKR’s captain, impressed with a well-compiled 56 in their first game. Sunil Narine, known for his all-round skills, remains a crucial player with both bat and ball. Despite a quiet game against RCB, Andre Russell’s explosive hitting is always a threat. KKR might also consider bringing in the experienced Anrich Nortje if fully fit to strengthen their pace attack.
Rajasthan Royals:
Kolkata Knight Riders:
Both teams come into this match with specific areas to improve. For RR, it’s about tightening up their bowling attack, while KKR will be focused on getting more out of their middle order. The conditions in Guwahati could favour bowlers, and both teams will be eager to adapt and claim their first victory of IPL 2025.
Cricket fans can expect a competitive game filled with key battles and tactical decisions that could swing the match either way. Don’t miss this exciting contest between two sides hungry for redemption.
Who do you think will win the RR vs KKR match?

Ashutosh Sharma hit the winning six with six runs needed off the final over. (Photo: Getty Images)
ASHUTOSH SHARMA played a match-winning knock of 66* as Delhi Capitals secured a one-wicket victory over Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL on Monday.
Coming in as an impact substitute on debut, Ashutosh rescued Delhi from 65-5, helping his team chase down 210 with three balls remaining in Visakhapatnam. He hit the winning six with six runs needed off the final over.
Delhi were struggling at 7-3 in the second over and later at 65-5 when Faf du Plessis, playing his first match for the franchise, was dismissed for 29. New captain Axar Patel made 22 off 14 balls, while Tristan Stubbs added 34 to keep the chase alive.
"Be prepared for it now," Axar said after the match. "It's going to be like this only under my captaincy. Things will be up and down a little."
Stubbs was bowled by Manimaran Siddharth the ball after hitting two consecutive sixes, leaving Delhi at 113-6 with 97 runs needed from 7.3 overs.
Ashutosh and IPL debutant Vipraj Nigam, who struck 39 off 15 balls, revived the chase with a quick 55-run partnership off 22 balls.
Nigam fell in the 17th over, and Delhi lost two more wickets, but Ashutosh held firm. Mentor Kevin Pietersen had predicted at the innings break that Ashutosh would produce something special.
After scoring 20 off his first 20 deliveries, Ashutosh accelerated, smashing 46 off the final 11 balls he faced.
With six required off the final over, number 11 Mohit Sharma survived a stumping chance when the ball brushed his pad, and Lucknow captain Rishabh Pant failed to collect it cleanly.
A single off the next delivery allowed Ashutosh to finish the chase with a six off Shahbaz Ahmed.
Lucknow falter after strong start
Lucknow Super Giants posted 209-8 after a strong 87-run stand between Mitchell Marsh and Nicholas Pooran, but lost momentum in the middle overs.
Playing as a specialist batter after recovering from a back injury, Marsh hit 72 off 36 balls, striking six fours and six sixes. He lost opening partner Aiden Markram early but built a strong stand with Pooran, who scored 75 off 30 balls.
Pant, playing his first match for Lucknow against his former team Delhi, was dismissed for a six-ball duck by Kuldeep Yadav.
Lucknow had signed Pant for a record $3.21 million in the November auction after he parted ways with Delhi.
Mitchell Starc bowled Pooran, triggering a collapse. "I think our top-order batters played really well, and I think it was a pretty good score on this wicket," Pant said. "As a team, we are looking to take positives from every match and learn from it."
Starc, who missed the Champions Trophy for personal reasons, finished with three wickets, while Kuldeep took 2-20 in four overs.
(With inputs from AFP)
Rahmanullah Gurbaz of Kolkata Knight Riders plays a shot during the 2024 IPL Final match between the Kolkata Knight Riders and Sunrisers Hyderabad at MA Chidambaram Stadium on May 26, 2024 in Chennai. (Photo: Getty Images)
TEAMS in the Indian Premier League (IPL) will begin their 2025 campaign on Saturday with an eye on the 300-run mark, as high scores continue to rise in the tournament.
The league has lifted the saliva ban on shining the ball, but batters are expected to dominate with the continuation of the Impact Player rule, which allows teams to field an extra batter in place of a bowler.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) 263-5 against Pune Warriors was the highest total in the league for a decade before it was surpassed four times last season. Sunrisers Hyderabad set a new record with 287-3 against Bengaluru.
Nathan Leamon, strategy consultant for defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders, believes a 300-run total is possible.
"We have already seen a huge escalation in scores over the last two years," Leamon told ESPNcricinfo. "It would be naive to think that we have got to the fullest extent of that – of teams learning how to take advantage of the new laws.
"You have seen several games where 260 has been scored, which never used to happen. You have seen several games where teams score 100 in the powerplay … So something has changed."
RCB will take on Kolkata Knight Riders in Saturday’s opening match at Eden Gardens. With Bengaluru’s traditionally flat pitch and short boundaries, RCB is seen as one of the teams likely to be involved when the 300-mark is breached.
This season sees five new captains. RCB's Rajat Patidar takes charge, while Ajinkya Rahane leads Kolkata after Shreyas Iyer’s departure to Punjab Kings.
Axar Patel will captain Delhi Capitals following the exit of Rishabh Pant, who now leads Lucknow Super Giants.
Sunday’s double-header will feature Mumbai Indians against Chennai Super Kings, both five-time IPL champions.
While no team is an overwhelming favourite, former South Africa cricketer AB de Villiers backed RCB to win their first title.
"It's an incredibly good, balanced team," de Villiers said. "I do feel this squad has got what it takes to go all the way."

(With inputs from Reuters)
The use of saliva to shine one side of the old ball and keep the other rough helps fast bowlers get the leather ball to swing late. (Representational image: Getty)
BOWLERS will be allowed to apply saliva to balls in the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League, local media said on Thursday.
The use of saliva to shine one side of the old ball and keep the other rough helps fast bowlers get the leather ball to swing late.
The T20 competition barred the practice after it was banned by the International Cricket Council (ICC) as a precautionary measure during the pandemic.
But on Thursday, reports said the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had lifted the ban for the latest IPL season starting Saturday after a majority of team captains agreed on the move.
"The saliva ban has been lifted. Majority of captains were in favour of the move," a top BCCI official told the Press Trust of India news agency.
The Indian Express newspaper also quoted an unnamed BCCI official as saying: "This was the BCCI’s domestic tournament and so we are not bound by ICC's guidelines here."
India pace spearhead Mohammed Shami recently made an appeal to allow the use of saliva in the game's 50-over format.
"We are trying to reverse, but you are not getting the use of saliva into the game," Shami told reporters in Dubai during the Champions Trophy.
"We are constantly appealing to allow the use of saliva and it will be interesting with the reverse swing."
(With inputs from AFP)
Abid Ali made his Test debut in December 1967 against Australia in Adelaide, taking 6/55 in the first innings—his best bowling figures in Test cricket. (Photo: BCCI)
FORMER India allrounder Syed Abid Ali died on Wednesday after a prolonged illness. He was 83.
Abid Ali, who was known for his all-round abilities and sharp fielding, passed away in the United States. He was part of a distinguished group of Hyderabad cricketers that included MAK Pataudi, ML Jaisimha, and Abbas Ali Baig.
The North America Cricket League (NACL) announced the news of his passing.
"It is with profound reverence and a heart full of admiration that I share with you the passing of uncle Syed Abid Ali, a cricketing legend from India who made Tracy, California, his home, and whose remarkable legacy continues to inspire us to strive for excellence," NACL posted on its Facebook page.
"The North America Cricket League (NACL) and the growth of cricket in the Bay Area owe a debt of gratitude to his tireless efforts and contributions to the Northern California Cricket Association (NCCA), a testament to his enduring impact.
"Let us remember him in our prayers and celebrate his remarkable legacy, honouring his memory by continuing to pursue our passions with dedication and perseverance."
Abid Ali made his Test debut in December 1967 against Australia in Adelaide, taking 6/55 in the first innings—his best bowling figures in Test cricket. He later showcased his batting skills in the same series, scoring 78 and 81 in the Sydney Test.
Between 1967 and 1974, he played 29 Tests for India, scoring 1,018 runs and taking 47 wickets. He was known for his fitness, quick running between the wickets, and sharp fielding.
He also had the rare distinction of opening both the batting and bowling for India in several matches, including games against New Zealand in 1968, at home in 1969, and on the 1971 tour of the West Indies.
In ODIs, Ali was part of India’s first-ever one-day international in 1974 against England at Headingley. He batted at No. 8, scoring 17, and opened the bowling, conceding 51 runs in nine overs. In the second ODI at The Oval, he batted at No. 10 and took his first ODI wicket, finishing with figures of 1/21 from 11 overs.
He played in the 1975 World Cup, featuring in three matches. His highest score in the format was 70 off 98 balls against New Zealand. In five ODIs, he scored 93 runs and took seven wickets.
At the domestic level, Ali played 212 first-class matches, scoring 8,732 runs, including a highest score of 173 not out, and took 397 wickets, with best bowling figures of 6/23.
Tributes poured in from former teammates and the cricketing fraternity.
"Sad news, Abid Ali is no more. He was a great team man and a good human being. Heartfelt condolences to the family. OM Shanti," posted former India allrounder Madan Lal.
Former chief national selector and wicketkeeper MSK Prasad recalled Ali’s contributions as Andhra’s coach.
"It is very unfortunate that Abid Sir has passed away. He had been unwell for quite some time.
"One thing I can proudly say is that during his tenure as Andhra's coach, he instilled in us the art of winning, transforming us from mere participants into true competitors.
"Through his relentless efforts, both physically and mentally, he shaped our team into a dominant force in domestic cricket for a decade. He developed a winning culture and mentality that stayed with us.
"His contributions to Andhra cricket will always be remembered."
The BCCI also condoled his death, acknowledging his impact on Indian cricket.
"Shri Syed Abid Ali was a true allrounder, a cricketer who embodied the spirit of the game. His contributions to India’s historic victories in the 1970s will always be remembered," BCCI president Roger Binny said in a statement.
Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar remembered him as a "lion-hearted cricketer."
"Very sad news. He was a lion-hearted cricketer who did anything the team needed. Despite being an allrounder who batted in the middle order, he opened the batting when needed. Took some incredible catches in the leg-side cordon, adding an even sharper edge to our wonderful spin quartet," Gavaskar told Cricbuzz.
"He was a thorough gentleman with impeccable manners who spoke professorially. Heartfelt condolences to his family," he added.
Former India wicketkeeper-batter Farokh Engineer paid tribute to his former teammate, calling him a "grossly underestimated cricketer" who had exceptional close-in fielding skills.
"My friend Abid Ali, rest in peace. I just can't believe it. One by one, people are sadly passing away. Abid was a dear friend, a contemporary of mine, my colleague, my roommate at one time also—a wonderful person, a wonderful cricketer, a very talented allrounder," Engineer said.
Brook was vice-captain of the England squad which suffered an early exit from the Champions Trophy after losing all three group games. (Photo: Getty Images)
ENGLAND batsman Harry Brook pulled out of the Indian Premier League (IPL) for the second successive year, a decision that could trigger a ban from future editions.
Brook was signed by Delhi Capitals in December 2023, but pulled out of last year's campaign following the death of his grandmother.
Last Sunday (9), the 26-year-old said he had opted to skip this year's edition too in order to prepare for England's upcoming series.
Under IPL regulations, Brook faces a two-year ban from participating in the IPL and its auction for pulling out of the tournament before the start of the season.
"I have made the very difficult decision to pull out of the upcoming IPL," Brook said in a statement on social media.
"I know not everyone will understand, and I don't expect them to, but I have to do what I believe is right and playing for my country remains my priority and focus.
"I apologise unreservedly to the Delhi Capitals and their supporters."
Brook was vice-captain of the England squad which suffered an early exit from the Champions Trophy after losing all three group games.

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