KKR previu Xi vs DC: Sunil Narine não pode abrir para Kolkata, alternados presentes para Venkatesh Iyer

KKR have played 9 in IPL 2025 and won only three so far; no wonder they are languishing in the bottom half of the table. Having said that, all is not over for the team, as they have a realistic chance of qualifying. Out of the remaining five matches, 5 wins, or even 4 would ensure qualification in the playoffs. But for that, the biggest factor will be their selection of playing XI.

On Tuesday, KKR face DC and InsideSport takes a look at the team’s predicted playing XI.

KKR Can’t Afford Sunil Narine at Opening Slot

Eight innings for Sunil Narine, and he has only scored 151 runs at an average of 21. That has been one of the biggest reasons for KKR’s downfall this season. He isn’t the same batter as last year, and is struggling to score runs. Instead skipper Ajinkya Rahane needs to open with Quinton de Kock. Period.

Get in Manish Pandey, Oust Venkatesh Iyer

One understands that Venkatesh Iyer is the vice-captain of the team, but 135 runs in 9 innings doesn’t justify the INR 23.75 Cr price tag. In fact, one can sense that he is feeling the burden of this huge chunk of money. No one doubts his capability, but then a swift decision needs to be made by the defending champions. Someone like a Manish Pandey should be drafted into the team straightaway, or else one more win could lead to their downfall, and eventual ouster.

Moeen Ali for Rovman Powell

Spin is their strength and KKR should stick to it. Instead of Rovman Powell, they should instead go in for Moeen Ali, who is a decent spinner, can curtail runs and pick up wickets. He can be a handy batter too. As a seasoned all-rounder he brings a lot of balance to the side.

KKR Predicted XI vs DC: Quinton de Kock (wk), Ajinkya Rahane (c), Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Manish Pandey, Rinku Singh, Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, Moeen Ali, Vaibhav Arora, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakaravarthy.