As the IPL 2025 intensifies, all eyes are on the Eden Gardens as Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) take on table-toppers Gujarat Titans (GT) in what promises to be a high-octane encounter. KKR, sitting at No. 6 on the points table, are desperate for a turnaround, while GT aim to solidify their spot at the top.

Match Preview: KKR Desperate to Regain Form

Kolkata have had a turbulent run at their home ground this season—winning just 1 of 3 matches. In contrast, Gujarat Titans have been clinical with five wins in seven matches. After collapsing for 95 in their last game against Punjab Kings, KKR will need a composed batting performance to take on the balanced bowling unit of GT.

Dream11 Fantasy Team Picks: Smart Strategy Over Star Power

With fantasy cricket being fiercely competitive, it’s essential to avoid common traps like chasing big names or picking unfit players. Here’s how you can build a well-balanced team across formats.

Team 1 Balanced XI

• Wicketkeepers: Jos buttler, quinton de cook

• Batters: Ajinkya Rahane, Shubman Gill, Sai Sudarshan, Angkrish Raghuvanshi

• All-rounder: Sunil Narine

• Bowlers: Prasidh Krishna, Mohammed Siraj, Varun Chakravarthy, Harshit Rana

• Captain: Sai Sudarshan

• Vice-Captain: Sunil Narine

Avoid: Overloading with top-order players from one team.

Team 2 All-Rounder Heavy

• Wicketkeepers: Jos buttler, quinton de cook

• Batters: Ajinkya Rahane, Shubman Gill, Sai Sudarshan

• All-rounders: Sunil Narine, Andre Russell, Moeen Ali, Arshad Khan

• Bowlers: Varun Chakravarthy, Harshit Rana

• Captain: Shubman Gill

• Vice-Captain: Ajinkya rahane

Avoid: Picking players like Russell or Moeen if pitch favours spin early.

Team 3 Bowling-Focused

• Wicketkeepers: Jos buttler, quinton de cook

• Batters: Ajinkya Rahane, Shubman Gill, Sai Sudarshan

• All-rounder: Sunil Narine

• Bowlers: Prasidh krishna, mohammed siraj, sai kishore, varun chakravarthy, harshit rana

• Captain: If Buttler

• Vice-Captain: Ajinkya rahane

Avoid: Ignoring value picks like Sai Kishore who could shine on a spin-friendly pitch.

Dream11 Pro Tips: What Not to Do

• Don’t Overload on Big Names: Go for current form over fame.

• Don’t Ignore Eden Gardens Conditions: The pitch may favor spinners—stack accordingly.

• Monitor Team News: Stay updated on toss, pitch report, and player injuries before finalizing your team.

• Avoid Same-Team Heavy Picks: Diversify for maximum impact.

Fantasy Key Battles to Watch

• Shubman Gill vs Varun Chakravarthy: Gill’s form vs spin could decide GT’s innings.

• Narine vs Rashid Khan: Which spin wizard will dominate the middle overs?

• Russell’s Bat vs GT Pace: A make-or-break factor if Kolkata chases.

With Gujarat in red-hot form and Kolkata fighting to stay in contention, this clash is a perfect opportunity for Dream11 players to climb the ranks—provided you make your picks smartly.