Delhi Capitals vs Kolkata Knight Riders Predictions: IPL2021 25th Match Preview

They say big losses humiliate you, but agonizingly close losses sap the life out of you. Okay, they don’t say that, I do. Delhi Capitals will still be reeling after the events of Tuesday night, and now in third place, they will look to climb back up the ladder with a win against Kolkata Knight Riders. After finally getting a second win, KKR have suddenly jumped up to 5th, and with another win potentially pushing them into the top 4, they will no doubt bring their best fight. Before the two perpetually struggling teams meet again, let’s take a look at how they’ve been doing.

Delhi Capitals

Predicted XI vs Kolkata Knight Riders

Rishabh Pant (c/wk), Axar Patel, Amit Mishra, Avesh Khan, Shimron Hetmyer, Prithvi Shaw, Praveen Dubey, Shikhar Dhawan, Marcus Stoinis, Kagiso Rabada, Steven Smith. 

Delhi Capitals team preview and form

Having a young and energetic captain might sound like a good idea on paper, but it can sometimes backfire. I hate to say this, but some of Rishabh Pant’s decisions cost DC the game last night. Bowling first against RCB, DC did pretty well to get themselves to an advantageous position, with Avesh Khan and Ishant Sharma the most economical out of the 5 players to take a wicket each. Then, Pant’s decision to bowl Stoinis for the last over saw them staring at 171. On the chase, the team started poorly, and Pant himself got a much slower-than-needed 58 (48). Despite Shimron Hetmyer’s incredible heroics (53 off 25), DC fell just short of the target and lost by 1 run.

Delhi Capitals key players vs Kolkata Knight Riders

Rishabh Pant: It’s not just his batting, but his captaincy that needs to be more mature and befitting of the situation.

Shikhar Dhawan: After falling off for a couple of games, Dhawan must also rise back up and help his team move back into the top slots.

Amith Mishra: Mishra seems to have dipped after an excellent first game, and needs to resurface.

Axar Patel: A star for Delhi last season and India recently, Axar should be able to exploit the Motera pitch.

Kolkata Knight Riders

Predicted XI vs Delhi Capitals

Eoin Morgan (c), Dinesh Karthik (wk), Shubman Gill, Nitish Rana, Rahul Tripathi, Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, Pat Cummins, Varun Chakravarthy, Prasidh Krishna, Shivam Mavi.

Kolkata Knight Riders team preview and form

Getting a lifeline when you’re drowning is an incomparable boon, and KKR have gotten just that with a win over Punjab Kings. Bowling first, Prasidh Krishna set things up with a 3-wicket haul which was supported by Pat Cummins and Sunil Narine taking 2 each, and Shivam Mavi keeping it tight and taking one. Chasing just 123, KKR had a shaky start, but Rahul Tripathi’s 41 (32) and Eoin Morgan long-awaited captain’s knock of 47 (40) helped them through with 5 wickets and 20 deliveries to spare. 

Kolkata Knight Riders key players vs Delhi Capitals

Eoin Morgan: Finally showing what he can do, Morgan must continue to keep his team’s head above water.

Rahul Tripathi: Tripathi needs to keep his form up, seeing as few others are doing so.

Prasidh Krishna: The talented pacer has been superb so far with his speed and variation.

Sunil Narine: At long last, Narine seems to be doing his job for KKR.

Delhi Capitals vs Kolkata Knight Riders pitch report and weather conditions

As expected, the Narendra Modi Stadium seems to have a somewhat balanced pitch that favours bowlers quite a bit. Only the best hitters of the ball will be able to get away with aggressive batting, with the rest relegated to having to settle in and take calculated risks. Expect teams to bowl first, and first batters to look for 155-160.

When the mercury reads 43 degrees celsius in the afternoon, it’s a harsh, harsh day. Thankfully, the sun will relent eventually, and the evening should be somewhat better. Expect smooth cricket due to a lack of rain or high winds.

Can the Capitals bounce back after their loss? Or will the Knight Riders finally find some consistent success? Find out if our DC vs KKR predictions come true on Thursday!