Delhi Capitals (DC) will face Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the 48th match of IPL 2025 on Tuesday, April 29, at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi. Both teams enter the game needing a win—DC aims to continue their positive momentum, while KKR is fighting for survival in the playoff race. The Arun Jaitley Stadium is known for its batter-friendly pitch, and this season has been no different.
In the previous DC vs. RCB match, the surface remained slow, which could impact the approach of both teams. The weather will be hot, with temperatures ranging between 40°C and 27°C. DC is currently placed fourth in the points table with six wins and three losses. Despite their recent defeat to Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), they remain hopeful of bouncing back against KKR. Two more victories will secure DC a playoff spot without relying on other results.
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KKR, on the other hand, is in a precarious position with three wins, five losses, and one no-result from nine games. Sitting seventh, they desperately need a win to keep their playoff hopes alive. Another defeat could end their chances for IPL 2025. The two teams have faced each other 34 times, with KKR holding the edge with 18 wins to DC’s 15, including one Super Over. KKR won both encounters last season, and DC has a 5-5 record at home against them.
Now, let’s dive into the key player matchups for this exciting clash.
#1 KL Rahul vs Sunil Narine
KL Rahul, in superb form, stands out as one of the few batters who have a dominant record against the legendary Sunil Narine. Rahul has amassed 114 runs from 85 balls against Narine in the IPL, including six sixes, maintaining an impressive strike rate of 134.11, as per ESPNcricinfo. However, the DC wicketkeeper-batter has been dismissed twice in their 11 IPL encounters, adding an intriguing dynamic to this battle.
#2 Ajinkya Rahane vs Kuldeep Yadav
Kuldeep Yadav has been in exceptional form in IPL 2025, claiming 12 wickets at an outstanding average of 19.66 and an economy rate of just 6.55. Ajinkya Rahane will need to take on Kuldeep in the middle overs, though his strike rate against spin this season is a modest 123.45. Rahane has struggled against the left-arm wrist-spinner, falling twice in five IPL encounters, scoring just 19 runs off 27 balls. Kuldeep will look to continue his dominance over Rahane.
#3 Axar Patel vs Varun Chakravarthy
Varun Chakravarthy has been a revelation for KKR in IPL 2025, taking 11 wickets at an economy rate of 6.85. On the other hand, Axar Patel boasts a remarkable strike rate of 195.58 against spinners this season. However, Chakravarthy has managed to dismiss Patel twice in their four IPL meetings, conceding just seven runs from 23 balls. This matchup will be crucial in determining the flow of the game.
