Why is Quinton de Kock not playing the KKR vs GT IPL 2025 match? Check KKR Playing XI

With the tussle growing tighter with every passing match, every team is focused on finding its best attack. IPL 2025 has nearly reached the halfway mark, giving sides enough opportunities to identify their strengths and address their weaknesses. Now, as the defending champions look to get their campaign back on track, Kolkata Knight Riders have called up Rahmanullah Gurbaz. The Afghanistan opener has replaced Quinton de Kock in the KKR Playing XI for the KKR vs GT IPL 2025 clash. Facing the table-toppers at home, KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane opted to bowl first at Eden Gardens after winning the toss. Additionally, seasoned all-rounder Moeen Ali returned to the playing XI for the home fixture, while Anrich Nortje was dropped.

🚨| Gurbaz and Moeen Ali have replaced De Kock and Nortje, respectively. pic.twitter.com/Z1CcPImgoB

— KnightRidersXtra (@KKR_Xtra) April 21, 2025

Barring an unbeaten 97 in the RR vs KKR match, QDK has consistently failed in the opening spot for KKR in the ongoing season. Apart from the 97, the wicket-keeper batter has managed a cumulative of just 46 runs across 6 innings. Given the string of dispappointing knocks at the top, KKR has finally swapped the slot. Gurbaz is set to play his maiden game in the season as the defending champions try to find a better option for the opening spot while de Kock suffers through a dry slump. In his last five innings, de Kock has managed the scores of 2, 23, 15, 1, and 1 respectively.

Meanwhile, KKR brought in spin all-rounder Moeen Ali to the Playing XI at the Eden turf. Pace pick Anrich Nortje made way for Ali in the KKR Playing XI. With KKR bowling first, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, listed in the impact substitute list is likely to join the combination in the chase. With three wins in seven matches so far, KKR, currently listed at the 7th spot on the IPL 2025 points table, looks in need of a swift turnaround in their title defense.

KKR Playing XI for the KKR vs GT IPL 2025 match

Our Starting XI as we march on with the ball in hand! 🎯 pic.twitter.com/05CiWr0v0g

— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) April 21, 2025

Rahmanullah Gurbaz(w), Sunil Narine, Ajinkya Rahane(c), Venkatesh Iyer, Rinku Singh, Moeen Ali, Andre Russell, Ramandeep Singh, Harshit Rana, Vaibhav Arora, Varun Chakaravarthy

Impact Subs: Manish Pandey, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Rovman Powell, Luvnith Sisodia, Anukul Roy