The opening match of IPL 2025 between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, promises to be a high-octane clash.
Fantasy cricket enthusiasts are eagerly preparing their Dream11 teams, and choosing the right captain is crucial for maximizing points.
Here’s a detailed analysis of the top three captain picks for this marquee encounter.
1. Sunil Narine (KKR)
Sunil Narine has been one of the most consistent performers in IPL history, and his ability to contribute with both bat and ball makes him an ideal captain pick.
Last season was his best with the bat, where he amassed 488 runs in just 14 innings at a staggering strike rate of 180.74.
His explosive batting at the top or middle order can provide quick runs, while his economical bowling with deceptive variations ensures wickets at crucial moments.
Narine has played over 177 IPL matches, taking 180 wickets with an economy rate of under six runs per over.
On a pitch like Eden Gardens, where spinners often thrive as the game progresses, Narine’s bowling could be a game-changer.
2. Virat Kohli (RCB)
Virat Kohli is arguably the safest captain pick for fantasy players due to his unparalleled consistency and experience in the IPL.
He topped the scoring charts last season with an incredible tally of 741 runs at an average of 61.75 across 15 matches.
Kohli’s ability to anchor the innings while maintaining a healthy strike rate makes him a reliable source of fantasy points.
Kohli thrives under pressure and has a history of performing well against KKR. With Eden Gardens offering good bounce and pace early in the match, Kohli’s stroke play could dominate the opposition bowlers.
3. Varun Chakravarthy (KKR)
Varun Chakravarthy has established himself as one of the premier mystery spinners in the IPL. In his last nine IPL matches, he claimed an impressive haul of 16 wickets with deceptive variations that troubled even the best batters.
His ability to bowl in powerplays and death overs makes him a wicket-taking asset throughout the game.
Eden Gardens is known to assist spinners as the match progresses, making Chakravarthy an excellent pick for captaincy if you’re looking to prioritize bowling points.
His knack for taking breakthroughs at critical junctures could swing momentum in KKR’s favor.
