The Delhi Capitals are set to face the Kolkata Knight Riders on Tuesday, April 29, as both teams look to gain momentum in the IPL 2025 season. The match takes place at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi, beginning at 7:30 PM IST.
Delhi Capitals started the tournament strong with four consecutive wins under captain Axar Patel, but their form has dipped since returning to their home ground. They have lost two of their three matches in Delhi, with the only win coming via a Super Over. Overall, they have lost three of their last five outings.
This inconsistency at home raises concerns. Key players have seen a drop in performance. KL Rahul's average and strike rate have declined since the team's return to Delhi, and bowlers like Kuldeep Yadav and Mitchell Starc have taken fewer wickets in recent matches compared to their earlier season form.
Kolkata Knight Riders have also experienced an inconsistent season. They sit with seven points from nine matches, needing a turnaround away from home to improve their standing. Batting has been a particular challenge, as they are the only team without a fifty-run opening partnership this season, and their middle order has the worst average among all sides.
The surface at Arun Jaitley Stadium has been slower, assisting spinners, a factor both teams will consider. A total around 190-200 is seen as competitive on this pitch. Teams winning the toss may prefer to chase, anticipating dew later in the evening.
Historically, KKR hold a slight edge over DC with 18 wins to 15. However, Delhi has won three of the last five encounters since 2022. At the Delhi venue, the record stands even at 5-5, but KKR's last win against DC here occurred in 2017.
Both teams are expected to make limited changes from their previous games. DC may continue with a similar lineup despite batting order challenges. KKR might consider including an extra spinner given the pitch conditions, potentially bringing in Moeen Ali. Video analysis discussed batting strategy ahead of the match.
Player matchups could influence the outcome. Sunil Narine has dismissed Kuldeep Yadav twice in limited opportunities. Narine also ranks high among bowlers with the most wickets against Delhi Capitals.
"We haven't quite hit our perfect game yet as a team so I don't really think it's the wicket that we should be discussing," Delhi Capitals mentor Kevin Pietersen said. "I think it's more, we haven't really played that complete game."
