When Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) host Gujarat Titans (GT) in Match 39 of IPL 2025, the encounter will not only be about two strong teams fighting for points. It will also be about some of the biggest stars in world cricket facing each other. Both teams are full of match-winners, and their individual battles may decide the fate of the game. Let's consider four important player battles that fans need to watch out for in this high-intensity match. Top 4 Key Player Battles to Watch in KKR vs GT Sno Players 1 Quinton de Kock vs Mohammed Siraj 2 Andre Russell vs Rashid Khan 3 Anrich Nortje vs Shubman Gill 4 Varun Chakravarthy vs Jos Buttler Quinton de Kock vs Mohammed Siraj Year Runs Balls Outs Dots 4s 6s SR Avg 2019 8 5 0 2 0 1 160.0 - 2020 0 2 1 2 0 0 0.0 0.0 2021 8 7 0 5 2 0 114.3 - 2022 7 7 1 5 0 1 100.0 7.0 2024 28 12 0 5 2 3 233.3 - Total 51 33 2 19 4 5 154.5 25.5 This encounter has witnessed some exciting phases in the past. Quinton de Kock, current member of the KKR team, has a mixed track record against Mohammed Siraj. The South African wicket-keeper batsman has accumulated a total of 51 runs off 33 deliveries in their encounters. Surprisingly, De Kock has got out twice at the hands of Siraj in these encounters. Way back in 2024, Quinton appeared to be at his best, destroying 28 runs from only 12 balls off Siraj's bowling, featuring two boundaries and three sixes. That knock indicated his attacking temperament, particularly in the powerplay. Still, Siraj had previously gotten him out in 2020 and 2022. It's a battle of early pyro vs consistent pace whichever gets the better of this encounter will provide their team with an immense early boost. Also Read | BCCI Central Contracts 2024–25: Shreyas Iyer, Ishan Kishan returns after snub Andre Russell vs Rashid Khan Year Runs Balls Outs Dots 4s 6s SR Avg 2018 2 5 1 3 0 0 40.0 2.0 2019 6 3 0 0 1 0 200.0 - 2020 2 3 0 1 0 0 66.7 - 2021 0 2 1 2 0 0 0.0 0.0 2022 1 3 0 2 0 0 33.3 - 2023 13 6 1 3 0 2 216.7 13.0 Total 24 22 3 11 1 2 109.1 8.0 This is among the most explosive T20 face-offs. Andre Russell, the raw powerhouse, has always been considered a big danger. But in front of Rashid Khan, even Russell has been forced to decelerate. In their eight meetings, Russell has scored only 24 runs from 22 balls and got dismissed three times. In 2023, Russell at last hammered 13 runs from 6 balls, two of them huge sixes. But Rashid got the last laugh in previous years, particularly in 2018 and 2021, when he dismissed Russell cheaply. The Afghan spinner's tight lines and variations kept the big West Indian muzzled. If KKR desire a solid finish in the death overs, Russell will have to take charge of this duel for the first time. Anrich Nortje vs Shubman Gill Year Runs Balls Outs Dots 4s 6s SR Avg 2020 13 8 1 3 1 1 162.5 13.0 2021 16 8 0 0 1 1 200.0 - 2023 5 6 2 4 1 0 83.3 2.5 2024 4 3 1 2 1 0 133.3 4.0 Total 38 25 4 9 4 2 152.0 9.5 This encounter is a raw pace against time and technique. Anrich Nortje has been successful a few times in the past against Shubman Gill. The South African paceman has gotten rid of Gill four times from their four encounters, conceding only 38 runs in 25 balls. Shubman, a GT regular now, has had his share of moments notably in 2021 when he played a smooth 16 off 8 balls. But in 2023 and 2024, Nortje paid him back in the same coin by sending him packing cheaply. Nortje's sheer pace and short balls have unsettled Gill repeatedly. This encounter could be one of the crucial elements in dismissing GT's top order early. Also Read | Don't know why I've been given this': Virat Kohli on Player of the Match award Varun Chakravarthy vs Jos Buttler Year Runs Balls Outs Dots 4s 6s SR Avg 2020 18 7 1 1 2 1 257.1 18.0 2022 5 2 0 0 1 0 250.0 - 2023 26 13 0 6 6 0 200.0 - 2024 2 2 0 0 0 0 100.0 - Total 51 24 1 7 9 1 212.5 51.0 This is an extremely interesting battle between mystery spin and brute force. Jos Buttler has had a remarkably good track record against Varun Chakravarthy, scoring 51 runs off only 24 balls. The Englishman has struck nine boundaries and a six against him, registering hardly any signs of difficulty. Buttler was especially ruthless in 2023, hitting 26 runs from only 13 balls. Though Varun has once dismissed him long back in 2020, the KKR spinner has not been able to trouble him much otherwise. The trick here will be if Varun can hold back Buttler in the middle overs. If Buttler settles again, GT might be set for a big score.