Delhi Capitals can reclaim the highest spot with a win over Kolkata Knight Riders and transfer inch nearer to IPL 2025 playoff spot.
The Indian Premier League (IPL 2025) is entering the final stretch with four playoff spots still on the line. In Match 48, Delhi Capitals (DC) host Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. DC have a chance to go top and in touching distance of the IPL 2025 playoff spot. KKR will be desperate to revive their campaign after two losses and a no-result. KKR are not out of the playoff race, but they need to win all their matches from this point.
Match Details
- Match: Delhi Capitals vs Kolkata Knight Riders, Match 48, IPL 2025
- Date: Tuesday, April 29, 2025
- Venue: Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi
- Time: 7:30 PM IST
- Broadcast: Star Sports Network, JioHotstar App/website
DC vs KKR Match Preview
Delhi Capitals, led by the astute Axar Patel, have been a force to reckon with in IPL 2025, sitting fourth in the points table with six wins from nine matches. Despite a recent six-wicket loss to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), DC’s campaign has been solid. With Faf du Plessis back from injury and players like KL Rahul, Abishek Porel and Kuldeep Yadav performing, DC will aim to be in the playoffs.
Kolkata Knight Riders, the defending champions, have had an inconsistent campaign. Even though they are still alive in the race, KKR have won just three matches from nine games. Their recent match against Punjab Kings ended in a no-result due to rain, and a shocking loss while chasing 112 against the same team highlighted their batting frailties. Captain Ajinkya Rahane has been in fine form. But KKR’s inconsistent performances and reliance on players like Andre Russell and Sunil Narine make this a must-win game to keep their playoff hopes alive.
Arun Jaitley Stadium Pitch Report
The Arun Jaitley Stadium pitch has traditionally been a batting paradise, with short boundaries and a hard surface favouring high scores. However, in IPL 2025, the pitch has shown signs of wear, offering turn and grip for spinners in the latter stages. The average first-innings score this season is around 180-190, with teams batting first having a slight edge. Dew is unlikely to play a significant role due to low humidity, making the toss less decisive. Expect spinners like Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakaravarthy to be crucial in the middle overs.
DC vs KKR Head-to-Head Records
- Total Matches: 34
- KKR Won: 18
- DC Won: 15
- No Result: 1
- At Arun Jaitley Stadium: DC have won 4 out of 10 matches against KKR.
- Recent Form: DC have won three of the last five encounters. However, KKR have won the last two encounters.
Predicted Playing 11
Delhi Capitals
Faf du Plessis, Abishek Porel, Karun Nair, KL Rahul (wk), Axar Patel (c), Tristan Stubbs, Vipraj Nigam, Mitchell Starc, Dushmantha Chameera, Kuldeep Yadav, Mukesh Kumar
- Impact Player: Ashutosh Sharma
Kolkata Knight Riders
Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Sunil Narine, Ajinkya Rahane (c), Venkatesh Iyer, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Ramandeep Singh/Manish Pandey, Rinku Singh, Andre Russell, Moeen Ali, Vaibhav Arora, Harshit Rana
- Impact Player: Angkrish Raghuvanshi
DC vs KKR Match Prediction
Delhi Capitals hold the edge going into this match due to their superior form and home advantage. Their bowling attack, led by Kuldeep Yadav and Mitchell Starc, is well-suited to exploit the spin-friendly conditions at Arun Jaitley Stadium. DC’s top order, despite middle-order concerns, has been consistent, and players like Abishek Porel and Axar Patel are likely to capitalise on KKR’s inconsistent bowling.
KKR, however, cannot be underestimated. Ajinkya Rahane’s form (271 runs at a strike rate of 146.48) and the explosiveness of Andre Russell and Sunil Narine could turn the game in their favour. Yet, their recent batting collapse against Punjab Kings and over-reliance on key players make them vulnerable against DC’s disciplined attack.
Win Probability:
- Delhi Capitals: 60%
- Kolkata Knight Riders: 40%
Predicted Outcome: Delhi Capitals are likely to win by a margin of 15-20 runs or 6 wickets, with Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel playing pivotal roles. However, if KKR’s top order fires, they could make it a close contest.
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