As Rajasthan Royals prepare to host Kolkata Knight Riders in the sixth match of IPL 2025, all eyes turn to Guwahati’s Barsapara Cricket Stadium, a venue known for its batting-friendly nature and recent IPL history. The match will take place on Wednesday, March 26, at 7:30 PM IST, with both teams looking to register their first win of the season.

Pitch report: High scores likely at Barsapara

Barsapara Cricket Stadium has a reputation for producing high-scoring encounters. The average first-innings score in IPL matches at this venue is around 180–200, making it a paradise for batters. While the pitch largely supports batting, pacers have found some movement early in the innings, making the toss crucial. Teams winning the toss have often opted to bowl first to utilize the new ball swing.

Since 2021, Barsapara has hosted 16 T20 matches, with nine wins for teams batting first and six for teams chasing. The surface has seen four 200+ totals and a healthy sixes-per-match average of 10.

Recent stats and performances

The last IPL encounter at this stadium between RR and KKR was unfortunately abandoned due to rain, leaving both teams with one point. Out of four IPL matches played here, teams batting first have had the edge with two wins, while chasing sides have managed just one victory.

Some key individual and team stats at Barsapara include:

• Highest IPL total: 199/4 by Rajasthan Royals vs Delhi Capitals (2023)
• Lowest IPL total: 142/9 by Delhi Capitals vs RR (2023)
• Best run chase: Punjab Kings chasing 145/5 in 18.5 overs (2024)
• Lowest total defended: 197/4 by Punjab Kings vs RR (2023)
• Top individual score: Shikhar Dhawan’s unbeaten 86 off 56 balls (2023)
• Most runs at the venue: Jos Buttler – 98 runs in two innings
• Top wicket-taker: Yuzvendra Chahal – 6 wickets
• Best bowling figures: Nathan Ellis – 4/30 in four overs (2023)

Spin vs pace: A balanced contest

Spin has played a critical role at this venue. Since 2021, spinners have bowled 48% of the overs, taking 76 wickets at an average of 25.1 and an economy of 6.7. Comparatively, pacers have taken 80 wickets at a more expensive economy of 8.8. Guwahati ranks among the top IPL venues for spin efficiency, just behind Lucknow.

RR vs KKR: A look at team records

Rajasthan Royals have played four matches at this ground, managing just one win, two losses, and one no result, giving them a win percentage of 33%. For Kolkata Knight Riders, their only outing here ended without a result.

As both teams aim for a turnaround in form, the Barsapara surface offers an ideal platform for an exciting high-scoring contest, with early overs being the key phase for bowlers to make an impact.

Shreyas Iyer drew high praise from former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra following his explosive 97* off just 42 balls in Punjab Kings’ thrilling 11-run win over Gujarat Titans in the IPL. Chopra hailed Iyer’s clean and calculated hitting, especially against spin, calling him the best Indian batter in the middle overs.

Speaking after the match, Chopra emphasized Iyer’s ability to take down spinners without stepping out, making him unpredictable and difficult to bowl to. “It was just the clean, crisp hitting—especially against spin,” said Chopra. “I believe he is the best Indian batter in the middle overs when it comes to taking down spinners.”

Chopra also pointed out a key technical tweak in Iyer’s batting stance that has improved his overall game. He observed that Iyer has slightly opened up his stance, allowing better control over short balls and expanding his shot range. “Traditionally, batting is side-on, but Shreyas has adjusted such that his back leg is slightly open. His bat is now positioned just outside the off-stump, which helps him access new areas and handle the short ball more effectively,” Chopra explained.

Iyer’s brilliance was complemented by Shashank Singh, who smashed 44 off just 16 balls, as the duo piled on 77 runs in the final four overs. Their aggressive finish powered PBKS to 243/5, which proved just enough to hold off Gujarat Titans at 232/5.

Chopra concluded that Iyer’s balance and adaptability are elevating his game, making him a vital asset in the middle order.

After a disappointing start to their IPL 2025 campaign with a defeat against Chennai Super Kings at Chepauk, Mumbai Indians have taken a breather by heading to Jamnagar for team bonding activities. The move comes as the franchise looks to regroup ahead of their next clash against Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad.

In a video shared by the team’s official social media handles, players including Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, and Hardik Pandya were seen relaxing and unwinding after landing in Jamnagar. The brief trip aims to help the team reset after their defeat against CSK in season opener.

Despite promising spells by debutant Vignesh Puthur, who claimed three wickets, and Deepak Chahar, Mumbai failed to post a competitive total on a slow Chepauk surface. Rohit fell for a duck, while skipper Suryakumar’s innings lacked impact, drawing criticism for the team’s lacklustre show.

With Hardik Pandya missing the first match due to a penalty from the previous season, his return could be crucial in the coming fixtures. He joined the team in Jamnagar and participated in net sessions, signalling readiness to make a comeback.

Mumbai’s bowling coach Paras Mhambrey praised Puthur’s performance under pressure. “He handled it superbly,” said Mhambrey, acknowledging the young spinner’s temperament.

Providing an update on Jasprit Bumrah, Mhambrey said there’s no return date yet. “He is making good progress. The MI team management is in regular contact with the BCCI’s medical team monitoring his rehab at the Centre of Excellence,” he added.

As Mumbai Indians seek to bounce back, the Jamnagar retreat is seen as a move to lift morale, foster team spirit, and regroup strategically before facing the Gujarat Titans.