Ajinkya Rahane Explains Vaibhav Arora’s Omission as KKR Opt for Anukul Roy in Must-Win IPL Clash Against DC
In a bold tactical shift, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), the defending IPL champions, have made a surprising change to their lineup for a do-or-die encounter against Delhi Capitals (DC) at the iconic Arun Jaitley Stadium on Tuesday. KKR have sidelined their joint highest wicket-taker, Vaibhav Arora, who has claimed 11 wickets in just eight matches this season, to bring in left-arm spinner Anukul Roy for his first game of IPL 2025.
At the toss, KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane elaborated on the reasoning behind this unexpected move, emphasizing the importance of adapting to the pitch conditions in Delhi. ‘We have one change—Anukul Roy comes in. It’s tricky to read the wicket, and I felt a left-arm spinner would be a good option on this surface,’ Rahane explained. He also underlined the team’s playoff aspirations, adding, ‘We need to win five out of five. Our approach is to take it one game at a time and move forward accordingly.’
The Delhi pitch, notorious for its unpredictability, often offers assistance to spinners as the game progresses, especially in the middle overs. With dew likely to play a role in the second innings, KKR’s decision to include Roy—a player who has been with the franchise since 2022 but has seen limited game time—signals a focus on varied bowling options and control against DC’s formidable batting lineup. Roy’s inclusion could prove pivotal if the track offers turn, allowing KKR to exploit any weaknesses in the opposition’s middle order.
Delhi Capitals skipper Axar Patel, who won the toss and opted to bowl first, cited the potential impact of dew as a key factor in his decision. ‘It becomes easier to bat in the second innings due to the dew factor. We’re sticking with the same XI,’ Patel noted. DC, currently placed fourth in the IPL 2025 standings with 12 points, hold a stronger position compared to KKR, who are languishing in seventh with just 7 points. For Kolkata, the stakes couldn’t be higher—this match is a stepping stone in their desperate bid to secure at least four wins in their remaining five games to keep their playoff hopes alive.
Vaibhav Arora’s exclusion comes as a shock to many fans, given his stellar performances this season. The 27-year-old pacer has been a revelation for KKR, consistently troubling batsmen with his pace and swing. However, Rahane’s decision highlights the team’s willingness to adapt and experiment under pressure—an approach that has defined KKR’s journey under his leadership. Historically, KKR have had a mixed record at this venue, winning 5 out of their last 10 encounters against DC here, which adds an extra layer of intrigue to this contest.
Playing XIs:
Kolkata Knight Riders: Rahmanullah Gurbaz (w), Sunil Narine, Ajinkya Rahane (c), Venkatesh Iyer, Rinku Singh, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Andre Russell, Rovman Powell, Harshit Rana, Anukul Roy, Varun Chakaravarthy
Delhi Capitals: Faf du Plessis, Abishek Porel (w), Karun Nair, KL Rahul, Axar Patel (c), Tristan Stubbs, Vipraj Nigam, Mitchell Starc, Kuldeep Yadav, Dushmantha Chameera, Mukesh Kumar
As the match unfolds, all eyes will be on how Anukul Roy seizes this opportunity to make an impact and whether KKR’s gamble pays off on a challenging Delhi track. With playoff implications hanging in the balance, this clash promises to be a thrilling spectacle of strategy, skill, and grit. Stay tuned for live updates and in-depth analysis as KKR battle to keep their IPL 2025 campaign alive!