IPL 2025 Opener: Kolkata Knight Riders and Royal Challengers Bengaluru Face Off Amid Weather Concerns

Kolkata – The much-anticipated opening match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 will see Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) take on Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at Eden Gardens on Saturday, March 22. The match is set to begin at 7:30 PM IST, with the toss scheduled for 7:00 PM IST.

However, weather conditions in Kolkata have raised concerns, with the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing an orange alert for thunderstorms, strong winds, and moderate rainfall. The match officials will be keeping a close watch on the forecast, as the IPL allows a one-hour extension window, ensuring that at least a five-over-per-side match can be played if required.

Squads and Key Players

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)

Captain: Rajat Patidar

• Virat Kohli – The star batter remains the key pillar of RCB’s lineup.
• Philip Salt and Devdutt Padikkal – Expected to provide a strong start at the top.
• Liam Livingstone and Tim David – Middle-order power hitters capable of accelerating the scoring.
• Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood – Experienced bowlers leading the attack.

Full Squad:
Virat Kohli, Philip Salt, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar (c), Jitesh Sharma (wk), Liam Livingstone, Tim David, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, Yash Dayal, Swapnil Singh, Lungi Ngidi, Romario Shepherd, Manoj Bhandage, Rasikh Dar Salam, Nuwan Thushara, Jacob Bethell, Suyash Sharma, Mohit Rathee, Swastik Chikara, Abhinandan Singh.

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)

Captain: Ajinkya Rahane

• Quinton de Kock and Rahmanullah Gurbaz – Wicketkeeper-batters expected to provide a solid opening.
• Sunil Narine and Andre Russell – All-rounders who bring balance to the team.
• Rinku Singh and Venkatesh Iyer – Middle-order batters known for finishing games under pressure.
• Anrich Nortje and Varun Chakaravarthy – Bowling duo capable of controlling the innings.

Full Squad:
Quinton de Kock (wk), Sunil Narine, Ajinkya Rahane (c), Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Venkatesh Iyer, Rinku Singh, Andre Russell, Ramandeep Singh, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakaravarthy, Spencer Johnson, Vaibhav Arora, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Manish Pandey, Moeen Ali, Anrich Nortje, Rovman Powell, Anukul Roy, Mayank Markande, Chetan Sakariya, Luvnith Sisodia.

Match Preview and Conditions

Both teams will look to start the season on a winning note, with RCB eager to end their long-standing wait for an IPL title, while KKR aims to make a strong statement in their home fixture. The Eden Gardens pitch is traditionally known for assisting both spinners and fast bowlers, making it a competitive playing surface.

With rain potentially affecting the start, team strategies might need adjustments, especially for the toss and selection of bowlers. The match will also feature a grand opening ceremony, but its execution depends on the prevailing weather conditions.

Fans will be eagerly watching to see if RCB can overcome past setbacks and begin their season on a high or if KKR will leverage home advantage to secure their first points on the table.