6th IPL Match (N), ACA Stadium Guwahati, 26 Mar 2025 7:30 PM IST: Rajasthan Royals (RR) vs Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) – IPL 2025 Pre-Match Analysis
The Indian Premier League IPL 2025 is heating up, and the 6th IPL Match (N) at ACA Stadium Guwahati on 26 Mar 2025 at 7:30 PM IST promises to be a thrilling encounter between Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Both teams are coming off losses in their opening matches, making this clash at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium a crucial one for gaining momentum in the tournament. In this IPL 2025 Pre-Match Analysis, we’ll dive into the venue details, squad information, player performances, ground conditions, and predictions for the winner, Player of the Match, and more.
Venue and Timing: ACA Stadium Guwahati
The match will take place at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati, Assam, a venue known for its batting-friendly conditions. The game kicks off at 7:30 PM IST on Wednesday, 26 March 2025, under the stadium lights, which could play a significant role due to the dew factor in the second innings. The stadium has a capacity of around 40,000 spectators and has been an occasional home ground for Rajasthan Royals since 2023. Historically, the ground has favored high-scoring games, with an average first-innings score in IPL matches around 180-200. In fact, India once scored 237/3 here in a T20I, while South Africa replied with 221/3, hinting at the potential for a run-fest tonight.
The weather in Guwahati is expected to be clear, with temperatures dropping from 34°C during the day to 19°C at night, according to Accuweather. Posts on X also suggest that clear skies are likely, reducing the chance of rain interruptions, unlike the washout RR faced here against KKR in IPL 2024.
Squad Information and Player Performance
Rajasthan Royals (RR) Squad and Key Players
RR, led by the young Riyan Parag (at 23 years and 133 days, the fourth-youngest IPL captain), are looking to bounce back after a 44-run loss to Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in their opener. They scored 242/6 chasing a mammoth 287, showing their batting depth but also exposing bowling concerns.
- Probable XI: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sanju Samson, Riyan Parag (c), Nitish Rana, Dhruv Jurel (wk), Shimron Hetmyer, Shubham Dubey, Jofra Archer, Maheesh Theekshana/Wanindu Hasaranga, Sandeep Sharma, Fazalhaq Farooqi.
- Impact Player Options: Akash Madhwal, Tushar Deshpande, Rovman Powell.
Key Player Performances:
- Sanju Samson’s performance: Samson, likely to be used as a specialist batter due to Parag’s captaincy, has a solid record against KKR spinners. He has scored 66 runs off 82 balls against Sunil Narine (with three dismissals) but has smashed 39 off 23 against Varun Chakravarthy without being dismissed.
- Dhruv Jurel’s performance: Jurel was a standout in the loss to SRH, scoring 70 off 35 balls, keeping RR in the chase. His ability to handle pressure makes him a key middle-order batter.
- Jofra Archer’s performance: Archer had a tough outing against SRH, finishing with 0/76—the worst figures in IPL history. In the 2024-25 season, he has averaged 34.75 with an economy of 9.26, raising questions about his form. However, he has historically kept KKR’s Sunil Narine quiet (9 off 13 balls).
- Riyan Parag’s performance: As captain, Parag didn’t bowl in the last game despite being an all-rounder. His leadership will be tested, but his batting form remains a positive for RR.
RR might consider bringing in Wanindu Hasaranga for Maheesh Theekshana, as Hasaranga’s wrong’un could trouble KKR’s Andre Russell, who averages just 9.25 against googlies since 2022 (strike rate 115.63).
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) Squad and Key Players
The defending champions KKR, now led by Ajinkya Rahane, started their campaign with a 7-wicket loss to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). They managed 174/8 but were outplayed by RCB’s powerplay batting.
- Probable XI: Quinton de Kock (wk), Sunil Narine, Ajinkya Rahane (c), Venkatesh Iyer, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Rinku Singh, Andre Russell, Ramandeep Singh, Harshit Rana, Spencer Johnson/Anrich Nortje, Varun Chakravarthy.
- Impact Player Options: Vaibhav Arora, Anrich Nortje, Rovman Powell.
Key Player Performances:
- Sunil Narine’s performance: Narine struggled in the opener but has a strong record against RR’s Sandeep Sharma, scoring 44 runs off 23 balls (strike rate 191.30, one dismissal). However, he has been less effective against Archer (9 off 13) and Fazalhaq Farooqi (3 off 8, one dismissal).
- Quinton de Kock’s performance: De Kock, replacing Phil Salt as opener, failed to make an impact in the first game. His experience will be crucial, but he needs to fire at the top.
- Andre Russell’s performance: Russell is a game-changer but struggles against googlies, as mentioned earlier. Against legbreaks, however, he averages 41.50 with a strike rate of 153.70, making him a threat if he survives Hasaranga.
- Ajinkya Rahane’s performance: The new captain scored a decent 40 in the loss to RCB but couldn’t anchor the innings. He has backed his young bowling unit despite their inexperience.
KKR are unlikely to make changes, though Anrich Nortje could replace Spencer Johnson if they opt for more pace.
Ground Information and Tactical Insights
The Barsapara Cricket Stadium pitch is known for favoring batters, with minimal assistance for bowlers. The average first-innings score in IPL games here is around 180, but scores in the 190s have been common, and we could see the first 200-plus IPL total in Guwahati tonight. The pitch offers early moisture, aiding seamers with the new ball, but once batters settle in, runs flow freely.
Stadium Lights and Dew Factor: Playing under the stadium lights, the team batting second might benefit from the dew factor, which often makes the ball slippery for bowlers in the second innings. This could lead to a “duke impression” (a term often used to describe the ball skidding under lights due to dew), making it harder for bowlers to grip and control. Historically, teams batting first have won twice and lost once in IPL games here, but the dew could tilt the advantage toward the chasing side tonight.
IPL 2025 Pre-Match Analysis: Who Will Win?
Both teams are desperate for their first points, but RR seem to have a slight edge due to their stronger batting lineup and familiarity with the Guwahati conditions. KKR’s bowling, especially their inexperienced pace attack, struggled against RCB, and RR’s explosive batters like Samson, Jurel, and Hetmyer could capitalize on this weakness. However, KKR’s firepower with Narine and Russell can’t be underestimated, especially if they get a good start.
Prediction: Rajasthan Royals are likely to win this match, leveraging their batting depth and the potential dew advantage if they chase. KKR’s bowling needs to step up significantly to contain RR on this flat track.
Player of the Match Prediction: Dhruv Jurel could be the Player of the Match if RR wins. His 70 off 35 balls in the last game showed his ability to handle pressure, and he could anchor a successful chase or set a big total.
Most Dismissable Bowler: Jofra Archer might be the most dismissable bowler tonight. Despite his experience, his recent form (0/76 against SRH) and high economy rate (9.26) make him a target for KKR’s aggressive batters like Narine and Russell. If he fails to adapt to the conditions, he could leak runs again.
First Batting Team vs. Second Batting Team: Who Benefits?
Given the dew factor under the stadium lights, the team batting second is likely to have an advantage. The ball could skid more in the second innings, making it easier for batters to play their shots while bowlers struggle with grip. However, if the team batting first posts a total above 200, the pressure of chasing on a big ground like Barsapara could work in their favor. RR, with their strong batting, might prefer to chase, while KKR could look to set a big total if they bat first.
Conclusion
The 6th IPL Match (N) at ACA Stadium Guwahati on 26 Mar 2025 at 7:30 PM IST between Rajasthan Royals and Kolkata Knight Riders is set to be a high-scoring thriller. RR’s batting firepower gives them a slight edge, but KKR’s experience as defending champions makes them a dangerous side. With the dew likely to play a role, the team batting second might hold the upper hand. Fans in Guwahati are in for a treat as local hero Riyan Parag leads RR in a historic match for Assam cricket.
Stay tuned for live updates and enjoy the IPL 2025 action! Who do you think will win this exciting clash? Let us know in the comments!
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