IPL 2025 KKR vs RR: Key players, head-to-head stats; check full match preview

The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are set to face the Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the sixth match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 on March 26 at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati. Both teams are seeking their first win of the season, having suffered defeats in their respective opening matches.​

Match Details

When: March 26, 7:30 PM IST

Where: Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati

What’s at stake: Redemption for KKR (lost to RCB) and RR (defeated by SRH).

Head-to-Head Record

Historically, KKR and RR have faced each other 29 times in the IPL, with each team securing 14 victories, and one match ending without a result. At the Barsapara Cricket Stadium, their sole encounter was washed out without a ball being bowled.

Total Matches: 29 (KKR: 14 wins, RR: 14 wins, 1 no-result).

Last Meet: IPL 2024’s Match 69 was washed out.

Players to Watch

Kolkata Knight Riders

Sunil Narine: The all-rounder smashed 44 off 26 balls and took 1/27 in the opener. His dual role as explosive opener and economical spinner makes him critical.

Andre Russell: Despite batting struggles, his 2024 bowling form (19 wickets) could disrupt RR.

Ajinkya Rahane: Scored 56 off 31 balls but faces heat for shaky captaincy.

Rajasthan Royals

Sanju Samson: Cleared to bat post-injury, his 66 off 37 vs SRH highlights his threat.

Riyan Parag: Stand-in captain after a stellar 2024 (573 runs), but needs to lead from the front after a 4-run opener.

Jofra Archer: Struggled in the first game; RR needs his pace to contain KKR’s power hitters.

Recent Form & Concerns

KKR’s Woes: Middle-order collapse (Russell, Venkatesh Iyer, and Rinku Singh failed vs RCB). Varun Chakravarthy’s form and Anrich Nortje’s potential return are key.

RR’s Challenges: Bowling unit (Archer, Fazalhaq Farooqi) leaked runs vs SRH. Parag’s leadership under scrutiny.

Pitch & Toss Impact

Barsapara Stadium: High-scoring track; spinners may dominate later.

Toss Stats: RR won 33% of tosses in 4 games here; KKR has yet to win a toss at this venue.

Prediction

With both teams desperate for a win, KKR’s Narine and RR’s Samson hold the keys. Expect a tight contest, but KKR’s all-around depth might edge RR if their middle-order fires.

Match Dynamics

KKR's bowlers, apart from Narine, struggled in their opener against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, raising concerns about their bowling attack. The potential return of Anrich Nortje could bolster their lineup. RR's bowling unit, including Jofra Archer and Fazalhaq Farooqi, also faced challenges, and stand-in skipper Parag's leadership will be under observation.​

Both teams are eager to register their first win of the season, setting the stage for a compelling contest in Guwahati.