M Chinnaswamy Stadium (Bengaluru) is ready to host the IPL 2025 restart, where Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Kolkata Knight Riders (RCB vs KKR) has been scheduled for Saturday evening (May 17) in the 58th match of the season. Both teams previously met during the first game of the season at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, where RCB won by seven wickets. 

Here, we are going through the Dream11 top three captains and vice-captains for the RCB vs KKR match. 

IPL 2025, Match 58: RCB vs KKR Probable XIs

Royal Challengers Bengaluru Predicted Playing XI: Virat Kohli, Jacob Bethell, Rajat Patidar (Captain), Mayank Agarwal/Suyash Sharma (Impact Player Sub), Jitesh Sharma (wk), Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Lungi Ngidi, Yash Dayal

Kolkata Knight Riders Predicted Playing XI: Sunil Narine, Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ajinkya Rahane (Captain), Rinku Singh, Vaibhav Arora/Angkrish Raghuvanshi (Impact Sub), Ramandeep Singh, Venkatesh Iyer, Andre Russell, Anrich Nortje, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakravarthy

See Also: IPL 2025: KKR vs RCB Match 58- Who will be Impact Players for today's match?

IPL 2025, Match 58: RCB vs KKR Dream11 Top Captains And Vice-captains

Top 3 Dream11 Captain choices

Virat Kohli: RCB legend Virat Kohli is the fourth leading run-scorer in the IPL 2025 with 505 runs in 11 matches, with an average of 63.12 and a strike rate of 143.46. He recorded seven half-centuries this season, including scoring 50+ runs in the last four straight matches. 

Varun Chakravarthy: KKR spinner Varun Chakravarthy is the second most wicket-taker as a spinner and fifth overall most wicket-taker in the IPL 2025 with 17 wickets in 12 matches. Although the Bengaluru pitch can be challenging for him, he is in great form with the ball, as he took two wickets in each of the last three games. 

Vaibhav Arora: KKR right-arm pacer Vaibhav Arora is the leading wicket-taker among the uncapped bowlers in the IPL 2025 with 16 wickets in 11 games. Although his economy rate this season is above 10, he is a strong wicket-taking bowler. 

Top 3 Dream11 Vice-captain choices

Andre Russell: KKR all-rounder Andre Russell had some useful moments with the ball this season, and only lately has he managed to produce his familiar dangerous batting form. In their last two games, Russell smashed 57 not out off 25 balls and 38 off 21 balls, respectively.  

Krunal Pandya: Krunal Pandya is the second leading wicket-taker for RCB this season with 14 wickets in 11 matches. RCB were desperate to secure him this season, and the reason is clearly visible now. Pandya’s batting has hardly been required this season, but when RCB were struggling at 26/3 in their 163-run chase against Delhi Capitals, Pandya scored a match-winning 73 not out off 47 balls with five fours and four sixes and had a valuable 119-run partnership for the fourth wicket with Virat Kohli. 

Ajinkya Rahane: KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane is the only consistent performer for the defending champions this season, as he has scored 375 runs in 11 innings with an average of 37.50 and a strike rate of 146.48, including three half-centuries. In his all last four innings, Rahane scored 25+ runs. 

Wednesday (May 7, 2025) starts with impactful news— India strikes again. This time, Operation Sindoor. The Indian Air Force destroyed 9 militant locations, including in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

Netizens are describing their emotions on their social media accounts regarding this incident. India replied back after the barbarian terror attack in Pahalgaon, which took 25 Indian civilian lives.

It was almost obvious that the Indian government would reply, but how and when were the questions around the common man. Operation Sindoor is now a trending topic on social media platforms. Cricket personalities are also sharing their thoughts.

Read More: PSL players in fear after India’s ‘Operation Sindoor’ against terrorists

Former cricketer Virendra Sehwag, from his 'X' (formerly known as Twitter), said, "Dharmo Rakshati Rakshata... Jai Hind ki Sena." Team India coach and former India international Gautam Gambhir said, "Jai Hind." "Together we stand. Jai Hind," said former cricketer turned cricket expert Aakash Chopra. Former cricketer Suresh Raina put the "Operation Sindoor" image on his Instagram story. Star Indian cricketer Varun Chakravarthy has done the same, posting an "Operation Sindoor" poster on his Instagram story.

Reaction from Sachin Tendulkar 

Sachin Tendulkar's Instagram post about Operation Sindoor 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/8mOllc4ELQ

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) May 7, 2025

Shikhar Dhawan said

India takes a stand against terrorism. भारत माता की जय! 🇮🇳

— Shikhar Dhawan (@SDhawan25) May 7, 2025

Check what Virendra Sehwag said

Dharmo Rakshati Rakshata

Jai Hind ki Sena 🙏🏼#OperationSindoor

— Virrender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) May 7, 2025

This is what Gautam Gambhir wrote

Jai Hind! 🇮🇳🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/dTN5Cm8yiX

— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) May 7, 2025

Varun Chakravarthy's Instagram story

Varun Chakravarthy's Instagram story for Operation Sindoor. 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/vu1ewQrwEO

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) May 7, 2025

Suresh Raina's instagram story 

Instagram story of Suresh Raina for Operation Sindoor 🤝 pic.twitter.com/PXcOL90cCY

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) May 7, 2025

Aakash Chopra's reaction on Operation Sindoor 

Together we stand. Jai Hind 🫡 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/sZZhBm9O0L

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) May 6, 2025

Kolkata Knight Riders leg-spinner Varun Chakravarthy broke the confidence of Rajasthan Royals in the high-scoring chase with his double wickets in an over in post post-powerplay. While it is an important home match for the defending champions KKR, Varun's outstanding bowling boosted the Knights' hopes. 

In this must-win game at Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Sunday afternoon (May 4), after the KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane chose to bat first, they scored 206/4 in 20 overs. While Angkrish Raghuvanshi scored 44 runs, Andre Russell finally produced his storm with 57 not out off 25 balls (four fours and six sixes), Rinku Singh also had a useful cameo of 19 not out off just six balls (one four and two sixes).

In chasing, Rajasthan Royals were once struggling at 8/2. However, the opener Yashasvi Jaiswal and captain Riyan Parag handled the next situation very well, and they had a 58-run partnership for the third wicket. While that partnership was a headache for KKR, Moeen Ali dismissed Jaiswal (34) in the first over after the powerplay.

[WATCH] IPL 2025: Arshdeep Singh provides weather update ahead of all-important PBKS vs LSG clash

Varun Chakravarthy bowled Dhruv Jurel and Wanindu Hasaranga in a single over

While Varun delivered his first over of the match in the powerplay and conceded nine runs, his second over was the eighth over of the innings. In that crucial over of the match, the 33-year-old leggie bowled Dhruv Jurel and Wanindu Hasaranga both for ducks. Both deliveries were googlies, and the batters failed to pick those as they had no clues. From 66/2, RR were suddenly struggling at 71/5. 

Through the gate ✖ 2️⃣ \|/

Varun Chakaravarthy is weaving his magic in Kolkata! 👏

Updates ▶ https://t.co/wg00ni9CQE#TATAIPL | #KKRvRR | @chakaravarthy29 | @KKRiders pic.twitter.com/vHcMTObTrL

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) May 4, 2025

IPL 2025: Varun Chakravarthy is KKR's leading wicket-taker

Varun Chakravarthy is the leading wicket-taker for KKR in the IPL 2025 as he has taken 15 wickets in 11 matches this season, including the 4-0-32-2 bowling figures against Rajasthan Royals in the latest IPL 2025 match in Kolkata. In the IPL 2025, Varun is the second leading wicket-taker among spinners and the fifth leading wicket-taker. 

On April 26, in the IPL 2025 game between Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), KKR's mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy proved competent once again over PBKS superstar Glenn Maxwell. PBKS was chasing a decent score of 173, as in only 16.3 overs, it made an impressive 172 for 2 at a strong run rate of 10.42. However, Chakravarthy had a different plan for Maxwell and his 'bundles of mystery spin.'

Chakravarthy dismissed Maxwell, and it was the fifth time 'Chakra' had dismissed the Australian in just eight IPL innings. This was a huge turning point in the match, as Chakravarthy showed that he is capable of troubling the best of the best. The dismissal spawned a cheeky viral comment from former Indian cricketer Suresh Raina, who said, "Varun Chakravarthy keeps Glenn Maxwell in his pocket."

Raina's cheeky comment made on social media went viral and has divided opinion amongst fans, with some protecting Raina's cheekiness and others stating it was an unfair statement. It also led to debate regarding the PBKS's team selection, with fans criticizing the franchise for picking overseas players like Maxwell rather than Indian players who were currently in form, like Nehal Wadhera and Shashank Singh. Chakravarthy's performance also reinforced he was a critical asset for KKR.

Watch the video here

Suresh Raina said, "Varun Chakravarthy keeps Glenn Maxwell in his pocket". pic.twitter.com/GScdMZzyKI

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) April 26, 2025

Also Read: Shubman Gill drops bombshell revelation about his relationship with Sara Tendulkar

Chakravarthy’s Dominance against Maxwell

Chakravarthy's record against Maxwell underscores his abilities as a mystery spinner. Notably, Chakravarthy has 83 wickets in 70 IPL matches at an economy rate of 7.56, and he has consistently deceived aggressive batsmen in the past. Maxwell has long struggled with his untraditional variations, and Chakravarthy has been able to feast on his attacking mindset in IPL matchups. Because of this, the two have become highlights of IPL contests. He was able to expose Maxwell's risk-taking mentality, as well as that of other all-star players such as MS Dhoni, which has marked him as a big-match player.

The dismissal and Raina’s comment also reignited discussions about PBKS’s team selection and Maxwell’s form. One fan expressed frustration with PBKS’s management, led by coach Ricky Ponting, for favoring overseas players like Maxwell over in-form Indian talents like Nehal Wadhera and Shashank Singh. Maxwell’s inconsistent performances in IPL 2025 have been a talking point, with some fans labeling him a "flop show" in this season.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 has produced some exciting batters and bowlers throughout the years. In the era of quick-paced cricket, especially in the over format, pace variation becomes an effective card for bowlers. Cross seam and scrambled seam deliveries have also become popular among pace bowlers. With variations (pace, spin line, and length), bowlers force batters to make mistakes. But which bowlers are so far looking dangerous in the ongoing IPL 2025?

Read More: [WATCH] IPL 2025: Virat Kohli asks Sanju Samson to check his heart beat during RR vs RCB clash

Interestingly, in IPL 2025, several seasoned pacers have stepped up for their respective franchises. Names like Prasidh Krishna, Shardul Thakur, and even veteran Ishant Sharma—who continues to clock speeds of 140 km/h—have shown their value. However, raw pace alone isn't enough in the T20 format; it’s the clever use of variations that often makes the difference. Among them, Prasidh Krishna has arguably stood out the most, showcasing his ability to adapt his bowling to suit pitch conditions. To truly assess whether pacers or spinners have had a greater impact this season, a closer look at the numbers is essential.

Top Wicket Takers

Some more notable performers in this series are Prasidh Krishna (Pace), Mohammed Siraj (Pace), Khaleel Ahmed (Pace), and Sai Kishore (Spin). These all, especially mentioned bowlers, claimed 10 scalps in 6 innings each. 

Top 5 bowlers according to economy rate 

As IPL 2025 unfolds, the battle between spin and pace continues to shape match outcomes and team strategies. While express pacers remain crucial in powerplays and death overs, it’s the spinners who are quietly emerging as game-changers. Bowlers like Kuldeep Yadav and Noor Ahmad have demonstrated the value of control and variation, often turning games around with their economy and wicket-taking abilities. On the other hand, pacers such as Hardik Pandya and Shardul Thakur are delivering impactful spells when it matters most. However, consistency and control have tilted the scales slightly in favor of spin, especially during the middle overs. As the tournament progresses and pitches begin to deteriorate due to consistent use, conditions are likely to further benefit spinners. Slower surfaces and variable bounce will play into their hands, making spin a more dominant force in the latter stages of IPL 2025. The spin vs pace rivalry is far from over—but spin may just have the final say.

On Tuesday afternoon (April 8), the Kolkata Knight Riders vs Lucknow Super Giants (KKR vs LSG) match will be played at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, which has been scheduled for the 21st match of the IPL 2025. Let's check the KKR vs LSG Dream11 top captains and vice-captains.  

IPL 2025, Match 21: KKR vs LSG Probable XIs

Kolkata Knight Riders Predicted Playing XI: Sunil Narine, Quinton de Kock (wk), Ajinkya Rahane (Captain), Rinku Singh, Venkatesh Iyer, Ramandeep Singh, Andre Russell, Harshit Rana, Anrich Nortje/Spencer Johnson, Varun Chakravarthy, Vaibhav Arora/Angkrish Raghuvanshi (Impact Sub)

Lucknow Super Giants Predicted Playing XI: Aiden Markram, Mitchell Marsh/Digvesh Rathi (Impact Sub), Nicholas Pooran, Rishabh Pant (Captain), Ayush Badoni, David Miller, Abdul Samad/Shahbaz Ahmed, Shardul Thakur, Ravi Bishnoi, Avesh Khan, Akash Deep

See Also: KKR vs LSG: Match 21 Weather and Pitch Report IPL 2025

IPL 2025, Match 21: KKR vs LSG Dream11 Top Captains And Vice-captains

Top 3 Captain choices

Nicholas Pooran: Caribbean cricketer Nicholas Pooran has proven himself one of the most dangerous batters with his strong six-hitting abilities. He has scored 75, 70, 44, and 12 runs this season and also holds the record for most sixes in this IPL season with 16 sixes. 

Mitchell Marsh: In the ongoing IPL season, Australian cricketer Mitchell Marsh scored 72, 52, 0, and 60 runs, respectively. He is providing fiery starts with a strike rate of 160+. 

Varun Chakravarthy: Leg-spinner Varun Chakravarthy is a key name in the KKR squad, who is currently in dream form with the ball. He has taken six wickets in four matches this IPL season, including taking three wickets in their last game against SunRisers Hyderabad. 

Top 3 Vice-captain choices

Sunil Narine: Caribbean cricketer Sunil Narine is still fighting hard to find his form. In this IPL season, his best performance is a 44-run knock as an opener in the first match of the tournament. He has also picked up two wickets in three matches this season. 

Andre Russell: Another KKR all-rounder Andre Russell hasn't produced his fiery batting performance yet as he hasn't managed double-digit scores in three innings of this tournament. However, in the last two games, Russell picked up two wickets each. 

Shardul Thakur: While KKR's top-order batting is struggling, LSG pacer Shardul Thakur will have an important role with the new ball. He has already taken seven wickets in four matches in the IPL 2025, including picking up two wickets in his first over of their first two matches of the season. 

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) won against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in IPL 2025. In the first Innings, KKR Batted first, and put up a strong total of 200/6, both openers failed to contribute, Quinton de Kock and Sunil Narine, early wickets down.

Captain Ajinkya Rahane's valuable 38 runs and Angkrish Raghuvanshi's 50 runs built a partnership. After that, Venkatesh Iyer played a crucial knock of 60 runs in 29 balls, while Rinku Singh added a quick-fire knock of 32 runs to boost the KKR total.

 Chasing 201, SRH went under pressure. They lost three wickets for 9 runs, including Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma. Heinrich Klaasen fought back with 33 runs, but the team was all out for 120 in 16.4 overs. Vaibhav Arora's (3/29) brilliant bowling and Varun Chakravarthy's (3/22) magical bowling helps KKR to win this match. With this massive win, KKR gained momentum in the IPL 2025 tournament, while SRH must bounce back strongly in the upcoming matches.

ALSO READ: Watch: KKR Stars Rinku, Venky & Bravo celebrate victory with epic dance moves

Twitter reactions after KKR wins 15th match of IPL 2025

For every MI loss 💔, There is a SRH win 🔥❤️‍🔥

We all were upset after the MI loss but today, the comeback was unreal , No champion team, goes bad suddenly, Let's back our champions

We are Purple & gold 💜💛 pic.twitter.com/IqWhGM0P8j

— Rokte Amar KKR (@Rokte_Amarr_KKR) April 3, 2025

Na Batting kari, Na Bowling

ek catch se SRH ko peldiya😂🔥 pic.twitter.com/q0NkZu1rIE

— कट्टर KKR समर्थक 🦁🇮🇳 ™ (@KKRWeRule) April 3, 2025

KKR’s victory just unlocked the Dhingana vibes! 🕺💜

Congratulations, team @kkriders 💜#RedChilliesEntertainment #KKR #KolkataKnightRiders #IPL2025 #IPL #KorboLorboJeetbo #KKRvsSRH pic.twitter.com/Gdz8RsSU9c

— Red Chillies Entertainment (@RedChilliesEnt) April 3, 2025

KKR के गेंदबाज और बल्लेबाज लोग फॉर्म में अइला के बाद:#KKRvsSRH #IPL #IPLonJioStar #ipl2025#hindimemes #Bihar #bhojpuricommentary #Kolkataknightriders #bhojpuri pic.twitter.com/e80QurB80y

— Sumit Kumar Mishra (@Sumitmishra0059) April 3, 2025

Bluds after humbling SRH 😭😂
SRH defeat is so satisfying 🤌✨ #venkateshiyer #Rinkusingh #KKRvSRH #IPL2025 pic.twitter.com/i4KoeMq4qG

— Dj (@Devilxdasa) April 3, 2025

•KKR Thumping Win
•Venkatesh Iyer Back Again
•Rinku Singh Back Again
•Ajinkya Rahane Leadership
•Turning Pitches at Eden Gardens

REAL BUSINESS STARTS NOW @KKRiders🦁🔥pic.twitter.com/O2iWXMj6Qv

— कट्टर KKR समर्थक 🦁🇮🇳 ™ (@KKRWeRule) April 3, 2025

WE BACK AGAIN WITH A THUMPING WIN....AMI KKR 💜💛pic.twitter.com/URNkL75f6c

— कट्टर KKR समर्थक 🦁🇮🇳 ™ (@KKRWeRule) April 3, 2025

Mood right now 🥳🥳, KKR on fire , second win of the season sealed with a dominant performance against SRH .#KKRvsSRH pic.twitter.com/AAzvAqaAm8

— Aamir Khan (@AAMIRSRK45) April 3, 2025

Once We Said
KORBO LORBO JEETBO RE 💜
Ami KKR #KKRvsSRH

Kavya Maran Right Now 😌 pic.twitter.com/PUEUxpb5nb

— 𝑷𝒆𝒂𝒄𝒆𝒇𝒖𝒍 𝑻𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉𝒕 (@Peaceful_Th) April 3, 2025

KKR has regained their title winning form 😉 💜pic.twitter.com/CQGZrav6zJ

— Abhishek (@vicharabhio) April 3, 2025

Me watching KKR's run rate after this match pic.twitter.com/dKiHFt17ij

— Sai (@akakrcb6) April 3, 2025

On Thursday evening (April 3), Kolkata Knight Riders vs SunRisers Hyderabad (KKR vs SRH) will be played in the 15th match of the IPL 2025 at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. Let's check the Dream11 top captains and vice-captains of the IPL 2025. 

IPL 2025, Match 15: KKR vs SRH Probable XIs

Kolkata Knight Riders Predicted Playing 11: Sunil Narine, Quinton de Kock (wk), Ajinkya Rahane (Captain), Rinku Singh/Manish Pandey, Venkatesh Iyer, Ramandeep Singh, Andre Russell/Rovman Powell, Harshit Rana, Anrich Nortje/Spencer Johnson, Varun Chakravarthy, Vaibhav Arora/Angkrish Raghuvanshi (Impact Sub)

SunRisers Hyderabad Predicted Playing 11: Travis Head/Adam Zampa (Impact Sub), Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Heinrich Klaasen (wk), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Aniket Verma, Abhinav Manohar, Zeeshan Ansari, Pat Cummins (Captain), Mohammed Shami, Harshal Patel

See Also: IPL 2025: KKR vs SRH – Eden Gardens stadium stats and Preview

IPL 2025, Match 15: KKR vs SRH Dream11 Top Captains And Vice-captains

Top 3 Captain choices

Travis Head: Australian cricketer Travis Head is one of the most dangerous batters, who can change the game with his ability. Despite some challenges, Head has provided good starts for his team in the early IPL 2025 by scoring 67, 47, and 22 runs, respectively. 

Sunil Narine: Caribbean all-rounder Sunil Narine is a very important name for KKR, who plays an important role for his franchise with his effective bowling and powerplay-friendly opening batting. He scored 44 runs in the season opener but still needs to find his top form, which he can bring in the upcoming fixtures. 

Varun Chakravarthy: As KKR are returning to the Eden Gardens, Varun Chakravarthy can play an important role in the important match against SRH. 

Top 3 Vice-captain choices

Heinrich Klaasen: South African middle-order batter Heinrich Klaasen is a dangerous and consistent batter. He scored 34, 26, and 32 runs in the ongoing IPL 2025.

Quinton de Kock: Former South African cricketer Quinton de Kock has to play a very crucial role for the defending champions. Although he was dismissed twice in single digits in early IPL 2025, he also scored a match-winning 97 not out against Rajasthan Royals.

Pat Cummins: While SRH are struggling, captain Pat Cummins can inspire his team, which he does regularly. Apart from his effective pace bowling, Cummins can make a significant contribution with the bat as a cameo in the lower order. 

In the 12th match of the IPL 2025, Wankhede Stadium (Mumbai) will host Mumbai Indians vs Kolkata Knight Riders (MI vs KKR) match on Monday evening (March 31). Now, we are going through the top choices of Dream11 captains and vice-captains for the forthcoming MI vs KKR match.  

IPL 2025, Match 12: MI vs KKR Probable XIs

In the sixth game of the IPL 2025, the Rajasthan Royals vs Kolkata Knight Riders (RR vs KKR) match will be played at Barsapara Cricket Stadium (Guwahati) on Wednesday evening (March 26), which will be the second game for both teams. Here, we are going through the Dream11 top captains and vice-captains for the match. 

IPL 2025, Match 6: RR vs KKR Probable XIs

Rajasthan Royals Predicted Playing 11: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sanju Samson/Fazalhaq Farooqi (Impact Sub), Riyan Parag (Captain), Nitish Rana, Shimron Hetmyer, Dhruv Jurel (wk), Shubham Dubey, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Sandeep Sharma, Tushar Deshpande

Kolkata Knight Riders Predicted Playing 11: Sunil Narine, Quinton de Kock (wk), Ajinkya Rahane (Captain), Rinku Singh, Venkatesh Iyer, Ramandeep Singh, Andre Russell, Harshit Rana, Spencer Johnson, Vaibhav Arora/Angkrish Raghuvanshi (Impact Sub), Varun Chakravarthy

See Also: IPL 2025: RR vs KKR – Weather & Pitch report

IPL 2025, Match 6: RR vs KKR Dream11 Top Captains And Vice-captains

Top 3 Captain's choices

Sunil Narine: KKR legend Sunil Narine is the key name in both batting and bowling line-ups for the defending champions. In their first game of the IPL 2025, despite a slow start, the opener Narine scored a valuable 44 off 26 balls with five fours and three sixes. While he had a century partnership with captain Ajinkya Rahane for the second wicket, disciplined Narine had bowling figures of 4-0-27-1. 

Ajinkya Rahane: KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane is in dream form with the bat. After having a great domestic season, including finishing as a leading run-scorer in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024-25 (469 runs), Rahane started the IPL 2025 with a strong 56 off 31 balls, including six fours and four sixes. 

Shimron Hetmyer: Caribbean cricketer Shimron Hetmyer is one of the dangerous T20 batters whose strike rate generally stays over 150. He likes to deal with boundaries, which makes his team’s scoreboard busy. In their IPL 2025 opener, while RR were already out of the game, desperate Hetmyer still managed to play a useful cameo of 42 off 23 balls with one four and four sixes.  

Top 3 Vice-captain's choices

Sanju Samson: At least for the first three games of the IPL 2025, RR regular captain Sanju Samson is playing only as a batter while Riyan Parag is leading the side. Although Samson always tends to get dismissed early, his consistency is getting better, and he scored a valuable 66 off 37 balls (seven fours and four sixes) in their season opener against SunRisers Hyderabad despite not getting a good start on their 287-run chase. 

Varun Chakravarthy: KKR spinner Varun Chakravarthy is in great form with the ball. Although he had a tough outing during the first game of the IPL 2025, where he had the bowling figures of 4-0-43-1, it was one of his rare performances in recent times. 

Fazalhaq Farooqi: The Afghan pacer Fazalhaq Farooqi is one of the most consistent pacers in T20 cricket since 2024, as he has recorded the joint highest wickets in this period with 89 wickets in 57 innings, including four four-fers and four fifers. The left-arm fast bowler is a key for RR.