Key Points

KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane won the toss and elected to bat first against Rajasthan Royals in their IPL 2025 encounter. Both teams are struggling this season, with KKR at seventh and RR at eighth in the standings. Rahane cited the dry pitch conditions as reason for batting first, while RR skipper Riyan Parag made three changes to his lineup. The match promises an exciting contest as both sides look to climb up the points table.

Key Points: KKR Captain Rahane Opts to Bat First Against RR in IPL 2025 Clash

  • KKR look to build momentum after clinical DC win
  • RR aim to bounce back from MI defeat
  • Rahane cites dry pitch for batting first
  • Parag makes three changes to RR lineup
2 min read

IPL 2025: Kolkata Knight Riders win toss, opt to bat against Rajasthan

KKR's Ajinkya Rahane wins toss, chooses to bat against struggling Rajasthan Royals in crucial IPL 2025 match at Eden Gardens.

"We want to put a total on the board and defend it. Need to keep it simple. - Ajinkya Rahane"

Kolkata, May 4

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) captain Ajinkya Rahane won the toss and opted to bat against Rajasthan Royals (RR) on Sunday in Kolkata in the ongoing 18th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Kolkata have been clinical with their approach in their last game against the Delhi Capitals (DC) and occupies the seventh spot.

On the other hand, the Rajasthan Royals have seen more lows than highs. Rajasthan are coming from a tough loss against Mumbai Indians (MI) and are in the eighth spot, with eight losses and three wins, whereas KKR have won four and lost five and one game was no result due to rain.

After winning the toss, KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane said, "We are going to bat first, looks a little dry. Not sure if it slows down in the second innings. We want to put a total on the board and defend it. Need to keep it simple. It's all about taking one game at a time. Everyone's contribution was good in the last game. Need to assess the conditions and adapt to it quickly. I am working really hard on my game, playing domestic cricket has helped me a lot. Trying to enjoy my game. Moeen and Ramandeep are back in the side."

Rajasthan Royals skipper Riyan Parag said during the time of the toss, "I was happy that I lost the toss, wasn't sure. It's very challenging, you got to be profession on the field. A lot of work goes into it. Need to play for our pride. Need to bring more energy into the field. We are hoping to put a collective effort. Three changes in our team. Nitish Rana has a niggle, he goes out. Hasaranga comes back for Kumar Kartikeya. Kunal Rathore and Yudhvir are in."

Rajasthan Royals (Playing XI): Yashasvi Jaiswal, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Riyan Parag(c), Kunal Singh Rathore, Dhruv Jurel(w), Shimron Hetmyer, Wanindu Hasaranga, Jofra Archer, Maheesh Theekshana, Yudhvir Singh Charak, Akash Madhwal.

Kolkata Knight Riders (Playing XI): Rahmanullah Gurbaz(w), Sunil Narine, Ajinkya Rahane(c), Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Moeen Ali, Venkatesh Iyer, Rinku Singh, Andre Russell, Ramandeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Vaibhav Arora.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
KKR's decision to bat first makes sense on this Kolkata pitch! The Eden Gardens track usually gets slower in second innings. Hope Rahane continues his good form from last match 🇮🇳 #KKR #IPL2025
P
Priya M.
RR's team selection looks weak today...where is their star bowler? 😕 After so many losses, they should have played their strongest XI. KKR might dominate this match!
A
Amit S.
Excited to see young Angkrish Raghuvanshi in KKR lineup! Our domestic talent needs more chances like this. Hope he performs better than last match 🤞
S
Sneha P.
Why is Riyan Parag still RR captain after such poor performance? Franchise should think about leadership change next season. At least KKR has experienced Rahane leading well!
V
Vikram J.
Good to see Moeen Ali back for KKR! His experience will help middle order. But RR's bowling looks weak without their main spinner. Prediction: KKR 180+, RR all out under 150 😎
N
Neha R.
As a cricket fan from Kolkata, I'm happy with team's progress this season! Last year was disaster but now we're seeing better strategy. Russell and Narine magic today please! 💜

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