RR vs KKR – Playing 11, Toss Update & Match Prediction

Check out the playing XI, toss result, pitch report, and match prediction for today’s RR vs KKR IPL 2025 clash. Stay updated with key match insights and expert analysis.

IPL 2025 has kicked off in spectacular fashion, but the same can't be said for Kolkata Knight Riders and Rajasthan Royals. Both teams endured disappointing starts, with KKR falling short against RCB and RR suffering a crushing defeat at the hands of SRH. Now, both sides are desperate to get their first points on the board as they face off tonight in Guwahati. 

Although the Barsapara Stadium is RR’s designated home ground for the next two games, KKR might enjoy a fair bit of crowd support given Assam’s proximity to Kolkata. That said, RR has built a strong connection with local fans over the years, largely due to Riyan Parag. The 23-year-old, Assam’s most promising cricketing talent, will experience a special moment as he leads the Royals on his home turf. Adding an interesting twist to the occasion, Parag actually made his IPL debut back in 2019 under the captaincy of Ajinkya Rahane – the very man he will now meet at the toss tonight. 

Both KKR and RR will need a major turnaround from their opening match performances if they have any hopes of making the playoffs. With that in mind, expect both teams to make some key changes to their lineups tonight. For Rajasthan Royals, the management might look to tweak their overseas combination. Either Fazalhaq Farooqi or Jofra Archer could make way for Akash Madhwal, while Wanindu Hasaranga is likely to make his much-anticipated debut for the franchise. On the other hand, KKR could shake things up at the top of the order, with reports suggesting that Quinton de Kock's spot as an opener is under serious threat. If that proves to be the case, don’t be surprised to see him left out of the starting XI. Spencer Johnson’s place is also far from secure, as he will have to battle it out with Anrich Nortje for a spot in the playing XI. 

RR vs KKR Toss Update 

With Barsapara Stadium hosting its first IPL match of the season, both captains were eager to bowl first, knowing that the dew in the second innings could heavily favor the chasing team. Keeping that in mind, KKR skipper Ajinkya Rahane won the toss and opted to field. However, they will be missing a key player, as Sunil Narine is sidelined due to illness. In his absence, Moeen Ali has been brought into the playing XI as his replacement.

RR vs KKR Possible Starting XI 

Both teams have a strong squad, and their Playing 11 is expected to feature some of the best names in world cricket. Here's a look at the possible lineups for RR and KKR: 

Rajasthan Royals (RR): Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sanju Samson, Nitish Rana, Riyan Parag(c), Dhruv Jurel(w), Shimron Hetmyer, Wanindu Hasaranga, Jofra Archer, Maheesh Theekshana, Tushar Deshpande, Sandeep Sharma 

Impact Subs: Kunal Singh Rathore, Shubham Dubey, Akash Madhwal, Kumar Kartikeya, Kwena Maphaka 

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR): Quinton de Kock(w), Venkatesh Iyer, Ajinkya Rahane(c), Rinku Singh, Moeen Ali, Andre Russell, Ramandeep Singh, Spencer Johnson, Vaibhav Arora, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakaravarthy 

Impact Subs: Anrich Nortje, Manish Pandey, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Anukul Roy, Luvnith Sisodia 

RR vs KKR Match Prediction 

As both teams have solid squads, predicting a winner in today’s match is difficult, but here’s how it might unfold: 

Match Prediction: Both RR and KKR have some clear weaknesses that could hold them back this season. KKR’s biggest concern is their unstable middle order, which has already shown signs of trouble, while RR’s lack of quality all-rounders limits their flexibility. 

For tonight’s match, though, KKR’s fragile middle order could prove costly, potentially leading to their second straight defeat. That being said, RR aren’t without their own issues. Their one-dimensional bowling attack struggled in the opening game and could be exposed once again. However, with a more balanced and deeper batting lineup, Rajasthan might just have the edge to overpower Kolkata. 

Also Read: IPL Chair Arun Dhumal Rules Out Immediate Expansion of WPL