KKR vs RCB Match Preview

The defending champion Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) will host their bitter rivals Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the storied Eden Gardens on Saturday night to begin the 18th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Among IPL heavyweights, KKR is a formidable opponent and has the advantage at home. However, the RCB lineup is full of talented players who, when in form, can put on incredible shows. This opener is sure to be spectacular.

KKR vs RCB Match Details 

Kolkata Knight Riders vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru – 1st Match, IPL 2025

Venue: Eden Gardens, Kolkata

Date & Time: 22th March 2025 at 07:30 PM IST

Live Streaming: Disney+Hotstar

KKR vs RCB Venue Stats

KKR vs RCB Pitch Report

The Eden Gardens pitch in Kolkata is well-known for being a wicket that is conducive to batting. The new ball should be offered with good bounce and carry. The spinners might benefit from the dryness.

KKR vs RCB Weather Report

The temperature will be extremely hot and humid. With some showers expected in Kolkata, the season opener is in danger of rain.  

KKR vs RCB Last Five Matches

KKR vs RCB Head-to-Head Stats

Injury News

No Injury. Will be added when there is an update.

Also Read: Which Team Has the Best Bowling Attack in IPL 2025?

KKR vs RCB Probable Playing XIs:

Kolkata Knight Riders Probable Playing XIs

Royal Challengers Bengaluru Probable Playing XIs

Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, Krunal Pandya, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Liam Livingstone, Tim David, Swapnil Singh, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Yash Dayal, Josh Hazlewood, Suyash Sharma, Phil Salt (Impact Player)

Topmost Picks for KKR vs RCB Dream11 Prediction:

Top Picks – Kolkata Knight Riders

• Sunil Narine – Sunil Narine had his best batting season ever, amassing 488 runs in 14 innings at a scorching strike rate of 180.74.
• Varun Chakravarthy –  The mystery spinner consistently produces breakthroughs and has deceptive variations. In his last nine IPL matches,he has taken 16 wickets.

Top Picks – Royal Challengers Bengaluru

• Virat Kohli – Virat Kohli topped the scoring charts with 741 points at an average of 61.75 from 15 games.
• Josh Hazlewood –  Josh Hazlewood, a speedster from Australia, adds speed and experience to the attack. His IPL wicket total is 35.

Suggested Playing XI N0.1 for KKR vs RCB Dream11 Team:

Phil Salt, Quinton de Kock(VC), Venkatesh Iyer, Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar(C), Andre Russell, Liam Livingstone, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Harshit Rana, Josh Hazlewood, Varun Chakravarthy

Suggested Playing XI N0.2 for KKR vs RCB Dream11 Team:

Phil Salt, Quinton de Kock, Ajinkya Rahane, Virat Kohli(C), Rajat Patidar, Andre Russell(VC), Liam Livingstone, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Sunil Narine, Josh Hazlewood, Varun Chakravarthy

Captain and Vice-Captain Options:

Captain – Rajat Patidar, Virat Kohli

Vice-captain – Quinton de Kock, Andre Russell

Wicketkeeper – Quinton de Kock

KKR vs RCB Probable Winners:

The Kolkata Knight Riders have won four of their last five meetings with Royal Challengers Bengaluru, giving them the advantage in recent meetings. The last time RCB defeated them was in March 2022. Although both teams have potent hitters who can change the course of a match, RCB's bowling appears less dependable than Kolkata's, particularly given their potent spin attack. The reigning champions go into the season opener as favorites to win because of their solid record against RCB and the benefit of playing at home. Considering the team combination, Kolkata Knight Riders is expected to win this match.