The much-anticipated IPL 2025 is set to kick off with an electrifying clash between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata. Both teams boast well-balanced squads and will be eager to start their campaign with a victory in what promises to be a thrilling opening match.
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) Team Preview
KKR, as the defending champions, will face added pressure to perform in this year’s tournament. The team is undergoing a transition, with the experienced Ajinkya Rahane stepping into the captaincy role in place of Shreyas Iyer, who has moved on to lead Punjab Kings (PBKS). Rahane has a challenging task ahead, particularly given his inconsistent record as an IPL captain, as KKR begins their title defence on March 22 against RCB at Eden Gardens. The spotlight will be on Rahane to lead the team effectively in this transitional phase.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) Team Preview
RCB enters IPL 2025 with renewed vigour and a fresh approach, having made significant changes through the mega auction. Last season, they showcased incredible resilience with a stunning comeback, winning six consecutive matches to secure a spot in the playoffs. This extraordinary run included a memorable victory over Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in a virtual knockout match, highlighting their never-give-up attitude and fighting spirit.
IPL 2025, Match 1: Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) – Match Details
Date and Time: 22nd March, Saturday, 7:30 PM IST
Venue: Eden Gardens, Kolkata
Live Streaming: JioHotstar (app & website)/ Star Sports Network
IPL 2025, Match 1: Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) – Pitch Report
Eden Gardens is widely regarded as one of the most batter-friendly pitches in India. Its relatively small boundaries make it easier for players to clear the ropes, while the flat nature of the pitch ensures that the ball comes onto the bat smoothly, allowing for clean and powerful strokes.
IPL 2025, Match 1: Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) – Weather Report
The weather in Kolkata is expected to be hazy on the match day, with a temperature of approximately 28°C. Humidity levels will be around 69%, and the wind speed is likely to be a gentle 2.5 km/h.
IPL 2025, Match 1: Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) – Toss Report
In the opening game of IPL 2025 at Eden Gardens, the team winning the toss is likely to choose to field first, aiming to chase in the second innings. Historically, the ground has hosted 93 IPL matches, where teams batting second have had the upper hand, winning 55 games compared to 38 victories for teams batting first.
IPL 2025, Match 1: Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) – Team Analysis
KKR Strength
KKR’s biggest strength lies in the exceptional form of Varun Chakravarthy, whose golden touch as a mystery spinner, alongside veteran Sunil Narine, forms the most pedigreed spin attack in the league. Additionally, the team boasts the “three Rs”—Rinku Singh, Andre Russell, and the emerging Ramandeep Singh—creating arguably the strongest lower-middle order in the tournament.
KKR Weakness
While the Knight Riders have retained most of their core, the departures of Phil Salt, Shreyas Iyer, and Mitchell Starc leave significant gaps to fill, given their pivotal roles in the title-winning campaign. Salt provided stability as an opener, Shreyas excelled with unbeaten chases in 2024, and Starc delivered in crucial moments. Though Quinton de Kock, Ajinkya Rahane, and Spencer Johnson bring value, they represent a slight decline in form and T20 pedigree, particularly for Rahane, who at 36, faces the challenging task of filling Shreyas Iyer’s shoes as both a player and leader.
RCB Strength
The Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) greatest strength is undoubtedly their formidable batting lineup, anchored by the exceptional trio of Virat Kohli, Phil Salt, and Liam Livingstone. These dynamic players form a powerful top order, capable of dismantling even the most skilled bowling attacks.
RCB Weakness
Despite their strengths, RCB continues to grapple with challenges in critical areas, particularly in their death bowling. This remains a significant concern, especially when playing on batting-friendly pitches that favour high-scoring games. While they have brought in new acquisitions to address this weakness, the effectiveness of their death bowlers in containing runs during the final overs still remains unproven.
IPL 2025, Match 1: Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)- Key Players
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)
Sunil Narine: He has been the backbone of Kolkata Knight Riders’ (KKR) bowling attack since the inception of the IPL. Over the years, he has also evolved into a crucial powerplay hitter for the team. In the 2024 IPL season, Narine delivered a standout all-round performance, scoring 488 runs and picking up 17 wickets at an exceptional economy rate of just 6.73. His pivotal contributions were instrumental in KKR’s triumphant campaign, securing the IPL title in 2024.
Varun Chakravarthy: Chakravarthy emerged as the cornerstone of KKR’s bowling lineup in the 2024 IPL season. The mystery spinner was in sensational form, claiming 21 wickets in 15 matches, with his best figures being 3/16. His unyielding accuracy and deceptive variations played a critical role in determining KKR’s success, making him an indispensable asset for the team.
Rinku Singh: He has been known for his brilliant strike rate, Rinku has consistently delivered crucial knocks in high-pressure situations, particularly in the death overs. Having joined KKR in 2018, he has grown steadily and has amassed 893 runs across 40 innings in his IPL career. His ability to finish games strongly has made him a vital cog in the KKR setup.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)
Virat Kohli: He stands as the highest run-scorer in IPL history, having amassed an impressive 8,004 runs—the most by any batter in the league. He set a remarkable record in the 2016 season by scoring a staggering 973 runs in just 16 matches, which remains the highest tally in a single IPL edition to date.
Phil Salt: Salt played an instrumental role for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in their title-winning campaign last season. His explosive batting saw him score 435 runs in 12 matches with an incredible strike rate of 189. Following the mega auction, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) acquired Salt, adding a dynamic player to their lineup for IPL 2025.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar: He has represented Sunrisers Hyderabad in the previous IPL season, is set to join Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) for IPL 2025. Renowned for his swing bowling, he is the fourth-highest wicket-taker in the league, with an impressive tally of 181 wickets to his name.
IPL 2025, Match 1: Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) – Probable Playing XIs
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) probable playing XI: Sunil Narine, Quinton de Kock (wk), Ajinkya Rahane (Captain), Manish Pandey, Venkatesh Iyer, Rinku Singh, Andre Russell, Anrich Nortje, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakaravarthy, Chetan Sakariya
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) probable playing XI: Rajat Patidar (Captain), Phil Salt, Virat Kohli, Jitesh Sharma, Liam Livingstone, Tim David, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, Yash Dayal, Rasikh Salam Dar, Suvyash Sharma
IPL 2025, Match 1: Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) – Head-to-Head Records
The head-to-head record between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) highlights an intense rivalry over the years. Out of the 34 matches played between the two teams, Kolkata Knight Riders have emerged victorious on 20 occasions, showcasing their dominance in this contest. Meanwhile, Royal Challengers Bengaluru have won 14 matches, reflecting their competitive spirit against KKR.
IPL 2025, Match 1: Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) – Dream 11 Prediction
Wicket-Keeper: Quinton de Kock
Batters: Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar
All-rounders: Sunil Narine, Andre Russell (c), Liam Livingstone (vc), Venkatesh Iyer
Bowlers: Varun Chakaravarthy, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Vaibhav Arora, Suyash Sharma
IPL 2025, Match 1: Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) – Full Squad
KKR IPL 2025 full squad: Ajinkya Rahane (c), Rinku Singh, Quinton de Kock, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Venkatesh Iyer, Ramandeep Singh, Andre Russell, Anrich Nortje, Harshit Rana, Sunil Narine, Varun Chakaravarthy, Vaibhav Arora, Mayank Markande, Rovman Powell, Manish Pandey, Spencer Johnson, Luvnith Sisodia, Anukul Roy, Moeen Ali, Chetan Sakariya.
RCB IPL 2025 full squad: Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar (C), Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Liam Livingstone, Phil Salt (wk), Jitesh Sharma (wk), Devdutt Padikkal, Swastik Chhikara, Krunal Pandya, Swapnil Singh, Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Jacob Bethell, Josh Hazlewood, Manoj Bhandage, Rasikh Dar, Suyash Sharma, Lungi Ngidi, Abhinandan Singh, Nuwan Thushara, Mohit Rathee, Yash Dayal.
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