The IPL 2025 season kicked off with a highly anticipated match between the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at Eden Gardens on March 22, 2025.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar is not playing in the IPL 2025 opening match between the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) due to a minor injury.
The RCB franchise confirmed this shortly after the toss, stating that he would not be part of the playing XI for this match. Despite being signed for ₹10.75 crore, making him one of the most expensive Indian players in the auction, his absence surprised many fans and analysts alike.
RCB opted to field a pace attack consisting of Josh Hazlewood, Yash Dayal, and Rasikh Salam instead. The decision to exclude Bhuvneshwar Kumar may also have been influenced by tactical considerations, as RCB chose to go with only four specialist bowlers, including all-rounders Krunal Pandya and Liam Livingstone.
While Bhuvneshwar has been a key player in previous seasons, his exclusion raised eyebrows, especially considering his experience and effectiveness as a powerplay bowler. RCB’s management reassured fans that his injury is minor and that he is expected to return soon
Fans Reasons for Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s Absence
Before the announcement from the RCB management, fans speculated about the absence of Bhuvi from the RCB squad for the following reasons.
- Team Strategy: RCB’s new captain, Rajat Patidar, opted to bowl first after winning the toss, indicating a strategic decision based on the pitch conditions. The team management may have believed that the available bowlers would better suit their game plan against KKR’s batting lineup on a dry wicket.
- Squad Depth: RCB has a robust bowling lineup that includes Josh Hazlewood and other pace options like Yash Dayal and Lungi Ngidi. This depth may have allowed them to rest Kumar, especially since he has been recovering from previous injuries and may not yet be at peak fitness.
- Performance Considerations: While Bhuvneshwar has been a standout performer in IPL history, known for his exceptional ability in powerplay overs, the decision to bench him could also stem from recent performance evaluations. The team might be looking to give opportunities to younger or in-form bowlers in the early stages of the tournament.
Match Context
The match marks the beginning of IPL’s 18th season, with KKR defending their title after winning the previous year.
Both teams have undergone significant changes following a mega auction, including shifts in leadership roles—KKR is now captained by Ajinkya Rahane while RCB is led by Patidar.
The absence of players like Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Mohammed Siraj for RCB adds an extra layer of challenge as they face off against KKR’s established core of players like Andre Russell and Sunil Narine.
