The highly anticipated opening match of IPL 2025 will see the defending champions, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), face off against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata on March 22, 2025, at 7:30 PM IST.
This clash not only marks the beginning of a new season but also rekindles the historic rivalry between these two franchises, reminiscent of their inaugural match in IPL history.
Match Overview
- Fixture: Kolkata Knight Riders vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru
- Date: March 22, 2025
- Time: 7:30 PM IST
- Venue: Eden Gardens, Kolkata
- Live Streaming: JioCinema, Star Sports Network
Team Updates
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)
KKR enters the tournament as the defending champions, having clinched their third title last season. Despite losing their title-winning captain Shreyas Iyer, they have retained a strong core of players and appointed veteran batsman Ajinkya Rahane as their new captain. The squad boasts significant talent, including:
- Sunil Narine: An all-rounder known for his explosive batting and effective spin bowling.
- Andre Russell: A game-changer with his power-hitting capabilities and all-round skills.
- Quinton de Kock: A dynamic opener who can set the tone for KKR’s innings.
With a strong mix of experience and youth, KKR aims to start their title defense on a high note.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)
RCB is looking to break their title drought and has made strategic changes ahead of this season. After a rollercoaster campaign last year that saw them reach the playoffs after a shaky start, they have appointed Rajat Patidar as their new captain. Key players for RCB include:
- Virat Kohli: The seasoned batter who consistently performs at the highest level.
- Liam Livingstone: A powerful hitter capable of changing the game’s momentum.
- Josh Hazlewood: A fast bowler bringing experience and skill to RCB’s attack.
RCB will be eager to start their campaign with a victory against one of their biggest rivals.
Head-to-Head Record
Historically, KKR holds a significant advantage over RCB in their encounters. Out of 34 matches played between the two teams:
- KKR Wins: 20
- RCB Wins: 14
In recent years, KKR has been dominant, winning four out of their last five encounters against RCB.
Pitch Report
Eden Gardens is renowned for its batting-friendly conditions but also offers some assistance to bowlers, particularly spinners as the match progresses.
The average first innings score at this venue is approximately 162 runs. Teams batting second have historically performed better here, with a higher win percentage due to dew conditions affecting grip on the ball.
Weather Conditions
The weather forecast for Kolkata on match day indicates light thunderstorms throughout the day; however, rain is unlikely to disrupt the entire match.
Temperatures are expected to hover in the mid-20s Celsius range during game time.
