Revealed: Why is Nitish Rana not playing today's match for RR against KKR in IPL 2025?

Nitish Rana has been ruled out of the Rajasthan Royals’ IPL 2025 match against the defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders on Sunday, May 4, at the Eden Gardens. RR’s stand-in captain, Riyan Parag, has confirmed that Nitish Rana is not playing against the KKR.

After losing the toss, Riyan Parag revealed that Nitish Rana had a niggle, which ruled him out of the 53rd IPL 2025 clash against the Kolkata Knight Riders. Parag has not shared many details about Rana’s injury. The RR skipper stated, “Nitish Rana has a niggle; he goes out.”

Nitish Rana ruled out as RR face KKR in crucial IPL 2025 clash at Eden Gardens

Nitish Rana has not been at his best in the ongoing IPL 2025, amassing only 217 runs in 11 matches for the RR so far. Well, Kunal Singh Rathore has been drafted into Rajasthan Royals’ Playing XI for the KKR clash after Rana’s setback, while Kumar Kartikeya made way for Wanindu Hasaranga.

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The Royals have also called in Yudhvir Singh, replacing Fazalhaq Farooqi in the Playing XI; they aim to spoil KKR’s party at the Eden Gardens. Notably, Rajasthan Royals have already been out of the IPL 2025 playoffs race, but KKR with 9 points still has a chance to make it to the top four.

Riyan Parag said at the toss, “I was happy that I lost the toss; I wasn't sure. It's very challenging; you have to be professional on the field. A lot of work goes into it. Need to play for our pride. Need to bring more energy into the field. We are hoping to put in a collective effort.”

Playing XI’s for KKR vs RR IPL 2025 Match:

Rajasthan Royals Playing XI: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Riyan Parag (C), Kunal Singh Rathore, Dhruv Jurel (WK), Shimron Hetmyer, Wanindu Hasaranga, Jofra Archer, Maheesh Theekshana, Yudhvir Singh Charak, Akash Madhwal.

Kolkata Knight Riders’ Playing XI: Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Sunil Narine, Ajinkya Rahane (C), Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Moeen Ali, Venkatesh Iyer, Rinku Singh, Andre Russell, Ramandeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Vaibhav Arora.

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Meanwhile, the Indian wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson is almost back to full fitness, but with Rajasthan Royals already out of the IPL 2025 playoff race, they decided not to take any risks with their captain. Earlier, the RR have also suffered a blow as pacer Sandeep Sharma has been ruled out of the remainder of the season due to a finger injury.

KKR hold slim edge over RR in IPL Head-to-Head battle

Speaking about head-to-head records, KKR and RR have had a close rivalry in the IPL, with Kolkata just ahead at 15 wins to the Royals’ 14. Earlier this season, KKR handed a big defeat to RR in Guwahati. But last year, Jos Buttler’s century powered RR to a thrilling one-wicket win over KKR at Eden Gardens. However, Buttler is now with Gujarat Titans.

Eden Gardens has seen a perfect balance in the last 24 IPL matches, with both chasing and defending teams winning 12 times each. In the last eight afternoon games, teams chasing have had the upper hand, winning six of them. This season, KKR won only two of their five games at Eden Gardens.