Eden Gardens is ready to host the opening sport of the 2025 version of the Indian Premier League (IPL) between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), on Saturday, March 22. This would be the first time the 2 groups lock horns in an IPL opener for the reason that inaugural version of the event.
As for the guests, they are going to play below the management of Rajat Patidar for the primary time. This comes after Faf du Plessis was not retained by RCB regardless of captaining the franchise for 3 consecutive seasons.
Relating to the head-to-head document between the 2 franchises, KKR holds the higher hand with 21 wins out of the 35 video games performed. Nevertheless, RCB can’t be taken calmly. Spectators could possibly be in for a high-scoring encounter as IPL 2025 guarantees an exhilarating begin.
RCB’s Finest XI vs Kolkata Knight Riders for IPL 2025 Opener
Openers – Phil Salt (wk), Virat Kohli
After spectacular seasons with Delhi Capitals and KKR, Phil Salt was acquired by RCB for INR 11.50 crore. The Englishman has the attacking prowess to tackle any opposition and shall be anticipated to supply explosive begins within the powerplay whereas additionally dealing with wicketkeeping duties.
This shall be Virat Kohli‘s 18th season with RCB. The main run-scorer of the IPL has a stellar document as an opener and shall be anticipated to steer from the entrance. The true bounce at Eden Gardens ought to assist Kohli’s stroke play. He’s coming off a profitable batting stint on the Champions Trophy 2025, which can present a confidence increase for the previous skipper.
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Center-order – Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar (c), Jitesh Sharma
Devdutt Padikkal returns to RCB after three years and is ready to occupy the No. 3 place. The swashbuckling left-hander shall be eager to copy his kind from his first stint with the franchise.
A recent problem awaits Rajat Patidar as he takes on the captaincy. He was one of many three gamers retained by RCB forward of the mega public sale in November 2024. The spin basher will play an important function within the center overs.
The gifted wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma was one other key public sale decide. Regardless of an underwhelming three-year tenure with Punjab Kings, he has immense potential, which RCB will look to unlock.
All-rounders – Liam Livingstone, Tim David, Krunal Pandya
Liam Livingstone has endured a lean patch with bat and ball in worldwide cricket. The IPL presents a recent platform for the English all-rounder to regain his misplaced mojo.
Tim David was prolific for Mumbai Indians over the previous three seasons. He’s anticipated to tackle the No. 7 function and shall be keen to complete video games together with his big-hitting prowess. Though David has not bowled in a very long time, he could possibly be handed an occasional over.
Krunal Pandya is greater than able to offering late fireworks with the bat, as he has executed for his earlier IPL franchises. Nevertheless, his left-arm spin stays his most useful asset. Because the lone frontline spinner, he shall be anticipated to regulate the run circulate and supply essential breakthroughs.
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Bowlers – Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, Yash Dayal
Bhuvneshwar Kumar could also be out of competition for the Indian group, however his means to swing the ball and execute pinpoint yorkers within the demise overs stays invaluable. The IPL veteran shall be anticipated to steer the new-ball assault.
Pacer Josh Hazlewood was RCB’s costliest purchase on the two-day occasion in Jeddah final yr, securing a contract price INR 12.50 crore. The sport towards KKR will mark his return to aggressive cricket after three months, and he’s prone to spearhead the tempo assault alongside Bhuvneshwar.
There shall be immense stress on Yash Dayal, the one retained bowler within the squad. Like Hazlewood, the left-arm pacer final performed a aggressive sport final yr. Together with his improved ability set, Dayal is predicted to play a key function not simply within the opening match however all through the season.
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