IPL 2025, KKR vs RR: Presenting the key player battles
What's the story
The sixth match of IPL 2025 will see Rajasthan Royals (RR) take on Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati on March 26.
Both sides will be eyeing their first win after losing their respective openers.
KKR suffered a disappointing start against Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
Meanwhile, RR faced a huge defeat against Sunrisers Hyderabad in their opening match.
Here we decode the key player battles that can be on display.
#1
Sanju Samson vs Sunil Narine
It will be interesting to see if KKR introduces Sunil Narine against the in-form Sanju Samson.
The right-handed batter has been perturbed by the mystery spinner in the past.
As per ESPNcricinfo, Narine has dismissed Samson thrice in 82 balls in the IPL.
Notably, Samson has managed just 66 runs off Narine in this regard. The tally includes a paltry strike rate of 80.48.
#2
Riyan Parag vs Varun Chakravarthy
Another RR star who can trouble the KKR bowlers is stand-in skipper Riyan Parag.
His success last season was majorly attributed to his ability to counter spin in the middle overs.
His battle with Varun Chakravarthy would be enticing as Parag averaged a stunning 98.5 against spinners in IPL 2024.
Meanwhile, Chakravarthy averages a brilliant 24.35 against right-handed batters in IPL.
#3
Ajinkya Rahane vs Fazalhaq Farooqi
Ajinkya Rahane starred for KKR in their opener with a brilliant knock of 56 runs against RCB.
RR would not want to see his wrath and Fazalhaq Farooqi will have the onus to trap the KKR skipper cheaply.
The pacer has taken the most powerplay wickets in T20 cricket since 2024 (37).
Meanwhile, Rahane averages a decent 37 against left-arm pacers in IPL.
#4
Andre Russell vs Tushar Deshpande
RR must save their best bowlers for Andre Russell, who owns the highest strike rate (174.85) among batters with at least 900 runs in the competition.
As he is known to ace the finisher's role, the Royals bowlers cannot miss their mark by much.
Tushar Deshpande, who has been bowling the tight overs since IPL 2024, has trapped Russell once across three innings.