KKR Predicted Playing XI vs SRH, IPL 2026, Match 6- Ajinkya Rahane To Remove Blessing Muzarabani?

KKR predicted playing XI VS SRH [Source: AP]

After suffering defeats in their opening IPL 2026 fixtures, both KKR and SRH will battle against each other to get their first points on the table. SRH suffered a humiliating defeat against RCB in the IPL opener, as the Sunrisers posted 201 on the board, but the defending champions chased it down inside 16 overs.

On the other hand, KKR has plenty of questions to answer, as they scored in excess of 200 against the Mumbai Indians, but lacked the cutting edge to score big. Additionally, their inexperienced bowling attack was taken to the cleaners, and they too lost their first game.

KKR Vs SRH Preview

KKR’s poor decisions on the IPL auction table reflected on their performance against Mumbai, as the team couldn’t defend 221 at the Wankhede. The match was won by MI in the last over, but it was still a one-sided affair.

Captain, Ajinkya Rahane started aggressively, but he slowed down in the middle-overs as the Knight Riders couldn’t post in excess of 240, which they should have. Without Matheesha Pathirana, the bowling also looked toothless, and that needs repair work before the clash against SRH.

Ahead of the blockbuster IPL 2026 clash, here is how KKR's Playing XI vs SRH might look.

KKR likely playing XI Vs SRH- Match 6

Openers and top order: Finn Allen, Ajinkya Rahane(c), Cameron Green

The decision to promote Ajinkya Rahane at the top was the right call, as the Indian batter has the ability to utilise the power play with his aggressive batting.

However, the problem starts after the fielding restrictions are over. His inability to take down the attack when the fielders are on the boundary ropes might hamper KKR’s chances.

He will still play at the top alongside the Kiwi sensation, Finn Allen. The New Zealander making his KKR debut looked solid against MI and will be eager to get some more runs against SRH’s bowling attack.

The 25.2 crore signing, Cameron Green was assigned to play at 3, and the KKR management will continue to persist with him at the same position in the KKR Playing XI vs SRH, as the Aussie can dismantle any attack with utmost ease.

Also Read: Cameron Green Injury Update: Australia Coach Reacts To Ajinkya Rahane's 'Ask CA' Dig

Middle order and all-rounders: Angkrish Raghuvanshi(w), Rinku Singh, Ramandeep Singh, Anukul Roy, Sunil Narine

With no Andre Russell in the lineup (retired), KKR’s middle order looks weak on paper, as the franchise is missing the firepower to close the innings with a flurry. The ever-reliant Angkrish Raghuvanshi, who impressed everyone with a clinical knock vs MI, will bat at 4, followed by the vice-captain, Rinku Singh, who will have the responsibility to play as a finisher.

With no Russell in the KKR Playing XI, Ramandeep Singh will shoulder the finishing responsibility alongside Rinku Singh and Sunil Narine. Narine was mainly used as an opener by KKR in the previous seasons, but with Rahane and Allen there, he might be in the in the KKR Playing XI vs SRH in the middle-order.

Bowlers: Varun Chakaravarthy, Vaibhav Arora, Blessing Muzarabani

This is where the problem begins for the former IPL champions. Varun Chakaravarthy has been woefully out of form since the T20 World Cup, and he was taken to the cleaners by the Mumbai Indians openers as well.

He is still the best spinner in the KKR Playing XI, and the team will back him for the entire 14 games. Alongside him, Vaibhav Arora will be trusted with the ball. The right-arm pacer had an off-day against MI, but he certainly has the potential to be their lead Indian pacer.

Is there an ideal Muzarabani replacement?

Making his KKR debut, the Mumbai Indians openers, Rohit Sharma and Ryan Rickelton, tonked him for 34 runs in 3 overs. Despite having a plethora of T20I experience, Muzarabani looked flat at the Wankhede. However, with Pathirana unavailable, the team doesn’t have an overseas replacement in the KKR Playing XI vs SRH, and hence, he’ll be given one more chance vs SRH.

KKR Playing XI vs SRH: Finn Allen, Ajinkya Rahane(c), Cameron Green, Angkrish Raghuvanshi(w), Rinku Singh, Ramandeep Singh, Anukul Roy, Sunil Narine, Varun Chakaravarthy, Vaibhav Arora, Blessing Muzarabani