Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) take on Rajasthan Royals (RR) in Match 53 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 at Eden Gardens on May 4, in what is effectively a do-or-die clash for both sides. With the league stage nearing its end, playoff hopes hang by a thread for these two teams. KKR, currently seventh on the points table, have managed four wins from ten games.
Their recent 14-run triumph over Delhi Capitals was a much-needed boost, powered by a standout knock from youngster Angkrish Raghuvanshi. Another win here could keep their playoff ambitions alive. Rajasthan Royals, meanwhile, are languishing in eighth with just three wins from eleven games.
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Their confidence took a hit after a crushing 100-run defeat against Mumbai Indians, where their frailties in both departments were on full display. Historically, the rivalry has been tightly contested, with both teams winning 14 matches each. This one promises to be a high-stakes battle in Kolkata.
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have a couple of potent match-up breakers up top who could unsettle Rajasthan Royals’ PowerPlay plans. Quinton de Kock, though benched recently due to a lean patch, has an impressive record against Jofra Archer—128 runs off just 60 balls—which could tempt KKR to bring him back. On the other hand, Rahmanullah Gurbaz has been highly effective against Maheesh Theekshana, smashing 75 off 44 balls, making him a potential threat early on.
Probable XII: Sunil Narine, Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ajinkya Rahane (c), Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Venkatesh Iyer, Rinku Singh, Andre Russell, Rovman Powell, Anukul Roy, Harshit Rana, Vaibhav Arora, Varun Chakaravarthy.
Rajasthan Royals (RR)
Rajasthan Royals, already out of playoff contention, might rest Sanju Samson, who is nearing full fitness. They’ve also been dealt a blow with pacer Sandeep Sharma ruled out of the season due to a finger injury.
Despite his past struggles against Gurbaz, Theekshana remains a crucial PowerPlay weapon for RR. His past success against Sunil Narine—dismissing him twice in just eight deliveries—could be key to disrupting KKR’s aggressive starts at Eden Gardens.
Probable XII: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Nitish Rana, Riyan Parag (c), Shivam Dubey, Dhruv Jurel (wk), Shimron Hetmyer, Jofra Archer, Maheesh Theekshana, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Kumar Kartikeya, Akash Madhwal
Fantasy XI Suggestion 1:
Dhruv Jurel, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Yashasvi Jaiswal (vc), Ajinkya Rahane, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Sunil Narine (c), Riyan Parag, Andre Russell, Jofra Archer, Varun Chakravarthy, Harshit Rana
Fantasy XI Suggestion 2:
Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ajinkya Rahane (vc), Vaibhav Suryavanshi (c), Sunil Narine, Riyan Parag, Andre Russell, Jofra Archer, Varun Chakravarthy, Harshit Rana, Maheesh Theekshana
