![De Kock won't play KKR vs GT clash [Source: AP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1745243170754_QDK_NO_XI.jpg?type=mq)
De Kock won't play KKR vs GT clash [Source: AP]
In a significant development, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) won the toss and opted to bowl first in their eighth group-stage match against Gujarat Titans (GT) at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. At toss, KKR skipper Ajinkya Rahane stated that the hosts would bowl first in order to capitalise on the playing conditions.
Why Is Quinton de Kock Not Playing KKR vs GT Match?
The Knight Riders have made a major change in their playing XI, replacing Quinton de Kock with swashbuckling keeper-batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz. Hailed for his scintillating stroke play, De Kock has failed to live up to the expectations, managing only 143 runs across seven outings at an average of 23.83 and a strike rate of 137.50.
Apart from a blistering 97-run knock vs RR, De Kock hasn't done anything significant, with his individual scores reading 4, 1, 1, 15, 23 and 2 in the remaining matches.
Thus, De Kock's poor form is the reason why he has been benched, with Rahmanullah Gurbaz finally getting a game in the IPL 2025.
In another move, the Knight Riders have brought all-rounder Moeen Ali back into the mix, excluding ace speedster Anrich Nortje from their playing XI vs GT. It could be a strategic move, as the hosts seem pumped up to exploit their home advantage.
KKR vs GT Playing XIs
KKR Playing XI: Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Sunil Narine, Ajinkya Rahane (C), Rinku Singh, Venkatesh Iyer, Andre Russell, Moeen Ali, Ramandeep Singh, Vaibhav Arora, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakravarthy
GT Playing XI: Shubman Gill (C), B Sai Sudharsan, Jos Buttler (WK), Sherfane Rutherford, Shahrukh Khan, Rahul Tewatia, Rashid Khan, Washington Sundar, R Sai Kishore, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna
.jpg?type=mq "GT vs KKR impact subs")
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