Match Preview: Kolkata Knight Riders vs Rajasthan Royals, IPL 2025, Match 6 – March 26, 2025
The IPL 2025 caravan rolls into Guwahati for Match 6, where the defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) take on Rajasthan Royals (RR) at the Barsapara Stadium on March 26, 2025. Set to kick off at 7:30 PM IST under the evening lights, this clash promises to be a cracker. Both teams are licking their wounds after opening losses—KKR stumbled against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, while RR were shell-shocked by Sunrisers Hyderabad’s batting onslaught. With the pressure to notch their first points of the season, this game feels like an early crossroads for two sides eager to find their rhythm. The Barsapara crowd, buzzing with hometown hero Riyan Parag leading RR, will add an extra layer of spice to this encounter.
Match Details: RR vs KKR Match 6 IPL 2025
– Date: March 26, 2025
– Venue: Barsapara Stadium, Guwahati
– Time: 7:30 PM IST (2:00 PM PDT)
Weather report : KKR vs RR Match 6 IPL 2025
Expect a warm evening around 26-28°C with a chance of humidity creeping in. No rain is forecast, but dew could play a role later, favoring the team batting second.
Pitch Report: KKR vs RR Match 6 IPL 2025
Barsapara has hosted only a handful of IPL games, but it’s typically a batting-friendly track early in the season. The ball comes onto the bat nicely, though pacers might find some swing with the new ball. Spinners could come into play as the game wears on, especially with dew around. Scores of 170-180 have been par here, but both teams’ firepower could push that higher.
Squad Analysis: KKR vs RR Match 6 IPL 2025
Kolkata Knight Riders:
Led by Ajinkya Rahane, KKR are a team in transition after losing Shreyas Iyer but retain their championship core. Their batting hinges on explosive openers Quinton de Kock and Sunil Narine, with Venkatesh Iyer and Rinku Singh providing middle-order muscle. Andre Russell’s all-round brilliance remains their trump card, though he misfired in the opener. The bowling, spearheaded by Varun Chakravarthy’s mystery spin and Harshit Rana’s pace, looks potent, but their inexperience showed against RCB. Spencer Johnson and Anrich Nortje add overseas bite, though the unit needs to tighten up after leaking runs last game.
KKR Squad:
Ajinkya Rahane (c), Quinton de Kock (wk), Sunil Narine, Venkatesh Iyer, Rinku Singh, Andre Russell, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Ramandeep Singh, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakravarthy, Vaibhav Arora, Spencer Johnson, Anrich Nortje, Manish Pandey, Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Mayank Markande, Rovman Powell, Anukul Roy, Moeen Ali, Chetan Sakariya, Luvnith Sisodia.
Rajasthan Royals:
Under interim captain Riyan Parag (with Sanju Samson still recovering), RR are a side brimming with potential but reeling from a bowling meltdown against SRH. Yashasvi Jaiswal and Nitish Rana offer a solid top order, while Dhruv Jurel and Shimron Hetmyer bring firepower. Jofra Archer’s horror show (0/76) in the opener was a shock, but his pace remains a weapon if he finds his line. Spinners Maheesh Theekshana and Wanindu Hasaranga (a likely inclusion) could exploit Guwahati’s conditions, while Sandeep Sharma’s experience steadies the attack.
RR Squad:
Riyan Parag (c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Nitish Rana, Dhruv Jurel (wk), Shimron Hetmyer, Shubham Dubey, Sanju Samson, Jofra Archer, Maheesh Theekshana, Sandeep Sharma, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Wanindu Hasaranga, Tushar Deshpande, Akash Madhwal, Kumar Kartikeya, Kunal Singh Rathore, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Kwena Maphaka, Yudhvir Charak, Ashok Sharma.
Probable Playing XI: KKR vs RR Match 6 IPL 2025
Probable Playing XI KKR:
Quinton de Kock (wk), Sunil Narine, Ajinkya Rahane (c), Venkatesh Iyer, Rinku Singh, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Andre Russell, Ramandeep Singh, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakravarthy, Spencer Johnson.
(Impact Sub: Anrich Nortje or Vaibhav Arora)
Probable Playing XI RR:
Yashasvi Jaiswal, Nitish Rana, Riyan Parag (c), Dhruv Jurel (wk), Shimron Hetmyer, Shubham Dubey, Jofra Archer, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Sandeep Sharma, Tushar Deshpande.
(Impact Sub: Fazalhaq Farooqi or Sanju Samson as a batter)
Head-to-Head Record: KKR vs RR Match 6 IPL 2025
Matches Played: 29
KKR Wins: 15
RR Wins: 13
No Result: 1
KKR hold a slight edge historically, including a thrilling one-run win at Eden Gardens last season. At Barsapara, RR have struggled, losing two of three IPL games, which might weigh on their minds. However, recent form swings toward RR, who beat KKR in a high-scoring chase in 2024.
Live Streaming Details: KKR vs RR Match 6 IPL 2025
In India: Catch the action live on Star Sports Network (Star Sports 1 HD/SD with English commentary, regional channels for Hindi, Tamil, etc.). Streaming available on JioCinema app and website.
Overseas: USA/Canada – Willow TV; UK – Sky Sports Cricket; Australia – Fox Sports/Kayo Sports; Middle East – beIN Sports.
Global: IPL’s official YouTube channel may offer highlights, with real-time updates on IPLT20.com.
Match Prediction: KKR vs RR Match 6 IPL 2025
Both teams are desperate to bounce back, making this a tough one to call. KKR’s spin duo of Narine and Chakravarthy could thrive if the pitch slows down, while their batting depth—despite a shaky start—looks formidable. RR’s hopes rest on their top order clicking and Archer rediscovering his mojo, but their bowling remains a concern after conceding 286 against SRH. The dew factor might tilt things toward the chasing side, and KKR’s experience in tight finishes gives them a slight edge. I’d back Kolkata to nick this by 10-15 runs or 6 wickets, provided Russell and Narine fire. But if RR’s batsmen repeat their last game’s heroics, they could turn it into a run-fest upset.
Key Players to Watch: KKR vs RR Match 6 IPL 2025
KKR Key Players:
Sunil Narine – After a quiet opener (44 off 26), the all-rounder’s knack for big hits and tight overs makes him KKR’s X-factor.
Varun Chakravarthy – His mystery spin (21 wickets in IPL 2024) could exploit RR’s middle order on a turning track.
RR Key Players:
Yashasvi Jaiswal – A blistering 68 off 34 against SRH showed his form; he’ll need to anchor RR’s chase or set a big total.
Jofra Archer – After a nightmare debut, his pace and bounce could still trouble KKR if he finds rhythm.
This one’s shaping up to be a battle of redemption. KKR will lean on their title-winning pedigree, while RR hope Parag’s local connection sparks a turnaround. Grab your popcorn—Guwahati’s in for a treat on March 26!
