Will Venkatesh Iyer Return? KKR's Probable Team Changes vs RCB

Soumyajit Dutta

Venkatesh Iyer and Anrich Nortje [Source: @KKRiders/X]Venkatesh Iyer and Anrich Nortje [Source: @KKRiders/X]

IPL is making its glorious return after a few days of suspension for India-Pak war tensions. Was it a much-needed break for the two-month-long affair? Teams' performances will tell better. Interestingly, the opening match after the hiatus will again see RCB vs KKR just how the season started, but this time at Chinnaswamy.

The reverse fixture between the two teams is set to be played on May 17 and for the unaware, Kolkata is currently struggling in the points table with tight chances for playoffs. In this respect, and with some other player manoeuvres, Kolkata will try to field their best Playing XI against RCB this time around. 

KKR's Last Playing XI against CSK

The last time the Knights faced CSK, they opted Quinton De Kock out of the Playing XI and brought Rahmanullah Gurbaz in. Though KKR lost the match against Chennai, let's take a look at the set of players.

Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Sunil Narine, Ajinkya Rahane, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Rinku Singh, Andre Russell, Ramandeep Singh, Moeen Ali, Vaibhav Arora, Varun Chakaravarthy, Manish Pandey
Impact Player - Harshit Rana

KKR's Probable XI vs RCB For May 17 Match

Gurbaz To Open With Narine

With KKR featuring Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Sunil Narine at the top in their last encounter against CSK, they are likely to continue with this duo. Gurbaz played a single match at Chinnaswamy so far but had an average of 57, certifying dominance. Hence, Gurbaz might find a place instead of QDK at the top alongside Narine.

Venkatesh Iyer's Place In Doubt

With Venkatesh not being named in the last CSK match because of a finger injury, his remainder of IPL 2025 participation is in doubt. Though there has been a break in the league, Iyer's recovery is doubtful and it is likely that Manish Pandey will continue in place of the all-rounder.

Anrich Nortje To Fill The Void For Moeen

Moeen Ali opted out of IPL 2025 after the India-Pakistan tensions and the all-rounders void will haunt Kolkata. With Powell also doubtful for his participation, Anrich Nortje can be brought in to spearhead the pace attack at Chinnaswamy. Known for it's limiting spin assistance, Nortje's inclusion might be a boon for Kolkata in place of Moeen.

KKR's Probable Playing XI

Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Sunil Narine, Ajinkya Rahane (c), Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Rinku Singh, Andre Russell, Ramandeep Singh, Vaibhav Arora, Varun Chakaravarthy, Harshit Rana, Anrich Nortje
Impact Player - Venkatesh Iyer, Manish Pandey, Mayank Markande