Match Details
- Fixture: Kolkata Knight Riders vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Match 1, IPL 2025
- Venue: Eden Gardens, Kolkata
- Date & Time: Saturday, March 22, 2025, 7:30 PM (IST)
- Live Streaming & Broadcast: Star Sports Network, JioCinema (app & website)
Team Overviews
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)
Kolkata Knight Riders enter IPL 2025 as the defending champions, having clinched their third title in IPL 2024. However, they have a new captain in Ajinkya Rahane, replacing Shreyas Iyer. KKR’s core remains largely unchanged, with key match-winners like Sunil Narine, Andre Russell, and Rinku Singh still in the squad. The franchise will look to carry forward the winning momentum and begin their campaign with a strong performance.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)
RCB, still in search of their maiden IPL title, will be led by Rajat Patidar this season. The team had an impressive run last year, reaching the playoffs but failing to go all the way. Virat Kohli, the backbone of RCB’s batting lineup, will once again be a key figure. With a balanced mix of experienced players and young talent, RCB will aim for a solid start.
Head-to-Head Record
- Total Matches Played: 35
- KKR Wins: 21
- RCB Wins: 14
- Tied: 0
- No Result: 0
- First-ever Fixture: April 18, 2008
- Most Recent Fixture: April 21, 2024
Probable Playing XIs
Kolkata Knight Riders:
- Quinton de Kock (WK)
- Sunil Narine
- Ajinkya Rahane (C)
- Venkatesh Iyer
- Rinku Singh
- Andre Russell
- Ramandeep Singh
- Harshit Rana
- Spencer Johnson
- Vaibhav Arora
- Varun Chakravarthy
Royal Challengers Bengaluru:
- Virat Kohli
- Phil Salt
- Rajat Patidar (C)
- Liam Livingstone
- Jitesh Sharma (WK)
- Tim David
- Krunal Pandya
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar
- Josh Hazlewood
- Yash Dayal
- Suyash Sharma
Live Streaming
India:
- TV Channel: Sony Pictures Network (Specific channel to be announced)
- Live Streaming: SonyLIV app and website
Pakistan:
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- TV Channel: Asports
- Live Streaming: Tamasha App, Tapmad
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Key Players to Watch
Best Batter – Virat Kohli (RCB)
Virat Kohli was the highest run-scorer in IPL 2024 with 741 runs in 15 innings at an impressive average of 61.75 and a strike rate of 154.69. He registered one century and five fifties last season and will be eager to begin IPL 2025 with a strong knock.
Best Bowler – Varun Chakravarthy (KKR)
Varun Chakravarthy was KKR’s standout performer with the ball last season, finishing as the second-highest wicket-taker with 21 wickets in 14 matches. The mystery spinner will be KKR’s key weapon, especially on a pitch that has historically favored spinners.
Pitch Report – Eden Gardens
Eden Gardens offers a batting-friendly surface but provides some early movement for pacers. Chasing teams have had an advantage due to the consistency of the surface. Dew in the second innings could make bowling challenging. However, rain and thunderstorms are predicted, which may cause delays but a complete washout remains unlikely.
Match Scenarios & Predictions
Scenario 1: Kolkata Knight Riders win the toss and bowl first
- Powerplay Score (RCB): 50-60
- Total Score (RCB): 200-210
- Match Result: KKR wins the match
Scenario 2: Royal Challengers Bengaluru win the toss and bowl first
- Powerplay Score (KKR): 60-70
- Total Score (KKR): 210-220
- Match Result: RCB wins the match
Match Prediction: Team Bowling First to Win the Match
Given the conditions at Eden Gardens, the team bowling first is likely to have the edge. Both teams have strong batting lineups, but the chasing side will have an advantage, especially with the dew factor in play. Expect a high-scoring encounter with thrilling performances from top players.