![KKR_vs_LSG_Playing_XI[1]](https://goyahills.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/KKR_vs_LSG_Playing_XI1.png)
On Tuesday, April 8, Best Combined KKR vs LSG will play in the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) at Eden Gardens. The game was originally scheduled for Sunday, April 6, but it was postponed because of security concerns during the state’s Ram Navami celebrations.
Ahead of the competition’s second leg, both teams are seeking a boost after settling comfortably in the middle of the table. With a slightly higher net run-rate, KKR has four points to its credit while LSG has four points.
Following crucial victories over the Mumbai Indians (MI) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), KKR and LSG are looking for momentum. In light of this, let’s examine the combined KKR-LSG playing 11 with effect substitutions before to their IPL 2025 matchup.
Top Order: Ajinkya Rahane (C), Mitchell Marsh, Nicholas Pooran (WK)
In the IPL 2025, Mitchell Marsh has been one of the top openers, if not the best. He picks himself for the squad even though he can’t bowl. The opposition has had a lot of trouble dealing with his intent and physical violence.
Given that Orange Cap holder Nicholas Pooran has established himself at number three and that most opening batsmen on both sides are struggling, Ajinkya Rahane has an opportunity to start the innings. The KKR captain has been outstanding against the pacers in the powerplay and has frequently had to enter the batting order early in the innings.
After the first wicket is lost, the team might continue or gain momentum with Pooran at No. 3. With a strike rate of 218.47 and 201 runs in four innings, he has so far excelled in the role.
Middle Order: Andre Russell, Abdul Samad, Venkatesh Iyer, and Angkrish Raghuvanshi
In contrast to the major stars, KKR middle-order batsman Angkrish Raghuvanshi’s IPL 2025 campaign may have gone unnoticed. With 128 runs in four innings at an average of 42.66 and a strike rate of 147.12, the young player has performed his job flawlessly, particularly during a period when KKR’s top order is struggling. In a scenario where left-handed players predominate, he is also a dependable right-handed option.
After a dismal start to the season, Venkatesh Iyer, 30, has shown signs of improvement despite the widespread criticism that he lacks the space to bat higher up the order. His fast fifty in the resounding victory over SRH is a major boost to the team.
Abdul Samad has been playing exceptionally well this season, despite Rinku Singh being the top pick for the No. 6 position based on reputation. With a strike rate of 240, the LSG pinch-hitter has hammered pacers in the final overs. This season, he has hit nine boundaries with just 27 deliveries.
This season, Andre Russell has played a rather quiet role with the bat and the ball. However, the Caribbean ace is a surefire choice due to his ability to win matches.
Lower Order: Digvesh Rathi, Varun Chakaravarthy, Shardul Thakur, and Sunil Narine
It is not surprising that the combined playing XI is primarily an all-India bowling assault because neither LSG nor KKR have any outside bowling resources.
Like he has been since the aftermath of the 2024 Indian Premier League, Sunil Narine has not been at his best with the bat. His spin bowling, though, is too crucial to be left off the team. Even if he isn’t opening the innings, the Caribbean star can still contribute with the bat, either as a middle-field pinch hitter or as a potential batsman to add depth.
Teams could benefit from Shardul Thakur’s natural ability to take wickets and his impressive performances with the new ball. In the final overs versus MI, he was also at his most outstanding. He is demonstrating that he still belongs at the top level by replacing him.
One of the top choices for spin bowling is Varun Chakaravarthy. At Eden Gardens, the mystery spinner nearly always has a voice, but in an afternoon competition, he might be even harder to defeat on a cooked surface.
Although Digvesh Rathi’s celebration has garnered media attention, he has been bowling admirably in his first season. Since Ravi Bishnoi has been terribly out of form, he has had to spearhead LSG’s spin offensive. With a solid economy rate of 7.62, the leg-spinner has taken at least one wicket in each of his first four games.
Options for Impact Subs: Rinku Singh, Ayush Badoni, Avesh Khan, Ravi Bishnoi, and Vaibhav Arora
It is the ideal arrangement for the batting innings since the combined XI bats up to Shardul Thakur. Russell hasn’t been turning his arm over much this season, so the squad does need another pace bowling option.
Vaibhav Arora is the impact suboption for the first choice. Moving the ball both ways in the powerplay to take some crucial early wickets, the KKR pacer has played up to his reputation. Despite being good choices for the position, Avesh Khan and Akash Deep have not played well since recovering from injuries.
