Shreyas Iyer has proved that captaincy suits him best in the IPL. Known for his composed captaincy and steady batting, Iyer has delivered some spectacular performances in different teams and established himself tested with his ability to lead and play with the bat. Here is an overview of his performances in his first games as captain for a number of teams

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Performance Overview

• For Delhi Capitals (DC): Shreyas Iyer in his maiden match as the DC captain struck an outstanding knock of 93(40). His aggressive batting allowed his side to achieve a difficult score against the rival side, which proved his ability to work under pressure and lead the front.
•  For Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR): Iyer scored 20(19) in his match for KKR. Even though the score was not significant, his ability to stabilize the innings and make partnerships came in handy. His leadership was visible as he guided his team through tough situations, even when batting poorly.
• For Punjab Kings (PBKS): Iyer's performance for PBKS was remarkable, scoring 97(42). His innings ensured the team put up a good score and showed his ability to take charge when the team needed him the most. This innings was a show of his leadership maturity and his pressure-batting ability.

Shreyas Iyer's leadership qualities and consistency have made him a possible IPL captain. Whichever team he captains, be it DC, KKR, or PBKS, on field performances have shown that being a captain improves his abilities the most, making him one of the most exciting young captains in the IPL.

The play between Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on March 26, 2025, at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati promised to be a thrilling one, with both teams aiming to put their best foot forward at the beginning of the championship.

Match Details:

• Date: March 26, 2025
• Time: 7:30 PM IST
• Venue: Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati​Pitch Report

Also Read:-RR playing 11 vs. KKR: IPL 2025 match 6

Weather and Pitch Conditions:

Weather:

• The evening was mild with temperatures around 28°C (82°F) and humidity being 60%.
• It was dry, and no rain was forecast, which means the game would go on undisturbed.​

Pitch:

• The Barsapara Cricket Stadium is a pitch that is good for the batsmen, as it has the right height and offers a great palm.
• Also, spinners can take advantage of the fact that the surface will wear out during the game.
• The actual first round score falls within the range of 170-180, saying that it should be a high-scoring match. Balkingly, chasing teams have had a 67% win rate when typing first

Also Read:-IPL 2025: RR vs KKR match 6 who will be the impact players for the sixth match

The match was set to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams fielding strong line-ups and the pitch conditions favoring an exciting contest.

Win % of the Batting 1st: 33%​

Win% of the Bowling 1st: 67%

1. Shreyas Iyer

Shreyas Iyer always gave KKR solid performances but was released prior to the 2025 season. He is a proven performer who can also provide strategic depth in the batting order. Having Iyer's middle-order consolidation can strengthen the batting order and enable KKR to execute their plans.

2. Nitish Rana

Nitish Rana is another ex KKR player who was sacked before the 2025 season. During his aggressive batting and off spin bowling, he has shown remarkable skills well. Bringing back Rana would provide KKR with the experienced along with the younger players, who are already familiar with the KKR environment.

An exceptional catch attempt by Ramandeep Singh off Virat Kohli's batting, but he injured himself in the process 👀#RamandeepSingh #IPL2025 #KKRvRCB #Sportskeeda pic.twitter.com/VujYx1zWJ5

— Sportskeeda (@Sportskeeda) March 22, 2025

ALSO READ:-Phil Salt’s Blazing Fifty Sets IPL 2025 Opener on Fire

3. Sherfane Rutherford 

Sherfane Rutherford is a West Indies all-rounder, known for his hard hitting and pocketing a few wickets with his medium pace. He has extensive international T20 experience from different leagues which will make him a good candidate for change as a replacement.

All of these players would allow KKR to overcome their problems with the injury to Ramandeep Singh and prepare for the upcoming IPL with a stronger squad.

The 18th Indian Premier League began in style on Saturday, March 22, match between defending champions KKR and RCB. The Eden Gardens opening ceremony was replete with star power, music, and energy, with Shah Rukh Khan being the showstopper.

Singer Shreya Ghoshal got the proceedings underway with a soulful rendition of "Vande Mataram" before other artists followed with dazzling performances. The stadium was charged with electricity as the fans cheered the teams and the celebrations illuminated the night.

One of the highlights of the function was when SRK brought on board RCB's Virat Kohli and KKR's Rinku Singh to the stage. The three of them danced to Shah Rukh's biggest hits and enjoyed fun moments before thousands of people.

But one small incident between Virat and Rinku went viral on the internet. In a video clip doing the rounds on social media, Virat extends his arm for a fist bump, but Rinku appeared to miss it and passed by without even acknowledging. Fans were upset galore thinking that it was rude, but it became evident later that it was merely an honest miss.

ALSO SEE: IPL: Virat Kohli Dances with Shah Rukh Khan to "Jhoome Jo Pathaan"

The way Rinku Singh ignored Virat Kohli. 😹 Aura -1000 #KKRvsRCB
pic.twitter.com/zAKZm9o1v2

— ‏ً (@Ro45Goat) March 22, 2025

Virat was not bothered in the least. The two laughed it off later, with Virat playfully referring to Rinku's dance as the "See-Saw" dance, which had the audience in stitches. Rinku danced to "Lutt Putt Gaya" with SRK, while Virat danced to "Jhoome Jo Pathaan."

It was a fun and lighthearted beginning to the season, illustrating the friendship and fun behind the sport. With regards to the game, RCB had won the toss and decided to bowl first, signaling another thrilling season of the IPL.

Ipl 2025 has started with fiery celebrations and some cool moves, starting with celebrities staging the inaugural of season 18. Though it was predicted orange alert as the weather forecast, the morning was enlighted with beautiful sunshine in Kolkata. As regaining captain Rahane placed the trophy back into his net and spun the coin, which didn't come in his favour where RCB captain Rajat Patidar won the toss and chose to field first. 
Rahane is often considered a the slow starter, but he has changed a lot in the last two years. When he started to play for Chennai Super Kings.  Before that Rahane always used to pace his innings and goes for the all out attack and often comes under the consideration of strike rate which always been low this has been case in Rahane too. 
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Rahane Starts Things Off In Style
When Rahane entered the ground KKR were in difficult situation where they lost Quinton De cock too early. Then came the captain to take the charge and he didn't dissapointed he slashed his innings with a six. He hit the first six of the season and after the flow of bat was as soothing and complemented by Sunil Naraine. Rahane never stopped after that he slashed  with four and sixes. 
He was just soothing to watch he scored an blistering half century in 29 balls which was just an brisk. Though Rahane was caught on 56 runs bowled by Krunal Pandaya where Rahane played a sweep which didnt connected as he wanted and went straightly to Rashik Salaam. Rahane smashed 56 runs from 31 balls where he slaughtered 4 sixes and 6 fours and main thing to note was the strike rate which nearly above 180  which was one of the amazing things. 
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Rahane Can Be The Lucky Charm
Rahane was associated with Csk from 2023 season where everything changed for him he was given full lisence to go on without fear and Rahane never dissapointed and that was the turning point of him where we came to see Rahane 2.0 where he was smashing the bowlers without any fear and scar he was not beating at that season he was just assaulting them. 
Now this year Rahane has been bought by KKR and that too at the price of 1.5 crore after Shreyas Iyer departure it was on cards that who will be the next to lead the champion side and it was announced that Rahane will lead the team. And the result is same and the way he played his today's innings is just a trailer to watch. 

Rahane’s Explosive Knock

After the team suffered an early loss, Rahane came on to the plate and played calmly along with hitting the ball very hard. He managed to score multiple boundaries and other good shots to keep the KKR in a good position. He was able to score his fifty in just 25 balls showcasing that he can play a T20 match and be very effective for the team.

HALF-CENTURY!!

Ajinkya Rahane slams half-century in 25 balls. Kolkata Knight Riders 81/1 in 8.1 overs vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru#KKRvsRCB #IPL2025 #IPL #RCBvsKKR #KKRvRCB

LIVE Scorecard: https://t.co/yOUIKX9I5e

LIVE Updates: https://t.co/ws1DBsbPTl

— CricketNDTV (@CricketNDTV) March 22, 2025

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Strong Position for KKR

 With power-hitters like Andre Russell yet to come, KKR looked poised to capitalize further.  

Rahane’s brilliant innings not only boosted his confidence but also sent a strong message to opponents this season. His form will be crucial for KKR as they aim for a successful IPL campaign.

Live Score Update: KKR vs RCB

As of now on March 22, 2025, in the opening match of IPL 2025 at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are batting against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). KKR's score stands at 131/4 after 13 overs.

Reason Behind His Exclusion

Swing and death-over bowling specialist Bhuvneshwar Kumar was assumed to be part of RCB’s plans and therefore, squad. It is astonishing the management of the team has stayed mum on his absence. Strategic choices relative to pitch quality or slight fitness issues could be bring forth some narratives. His absence left a noticeable gap in RCB’s bowling attack.

ALSO READ:- IPL: Virat Kohli Dances with Shah Rukh Khan to "Jhoome Jo Pathaan"

Live Score Update: KKR vs RCB

As of now on March 22, 2025, in the opening match of IPL 2025 at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are batting against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). KKR's score stands at 64/1 after 6.2 overs.

At the Eden Gardens, Kolkata, the IPL 2025 opening ceremony was the blend of glamour and sports as Shah Rukh Khan and Virat Kohli were performing on ‘Jhoome Jo Pathaan’. The duo of SRK and Kohli demonstrated a memorable performance which will go down as one of the best in the history of IPL.

Virat Kohli danced alongside Shahrukh Khan on Jhoome jo Pathan 🔥 pic.twitter.com/58VHzftaH0

— Nikhil (@TheCric8Boy) March 22, 2025

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Bollywood and Punjabi singers packed the stage along with Kohli and SRK for the enchanting event. Shreya Ghoshal’s rendition of ‘Vande Mataram’, Disha Patani’s dance extravaganza, and the rising star of Punjab Karan Aujla’s ‘Softly’ did every bit to connect cricket to music.

IPL 2025 opening ceremony has began where there were predictions of rain and it was on speculations whether the rain will spoil the match or not. But the weather today was way too different from yesterday which sunshine a lot, where people were excited about the sun coming out and posting its into  social media some funny banter between these two fan clubs too circulated where it was stated that RCB is going to give back to kolkata and even Kolkata fans claimed that rain has also gone now no one is there to save RCB. 

As mentioned earlier cine stars and ace singer Shreya Ghosal staged the set on fire where it all started with Shreya Ghosal soulful performance. And there came the suprise package where King Khan gave a awesome Speech. Following it Shreya Ghosal started her live performance with Mere Dholna song. 

Beautiful Performances From The Stars

Shreya Ghosal just started the evening with her fruitful voice it was so meteculas to hear following that Ghoomar song and the most energetic song Kar Har Maidan Fateh.  Even it was so energetic even fans were singing with her

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𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐯𝐨𝐢𝐜𝐞. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐜 🎶

Shreya Ghoshal’s mesmerizing voice lights up the #TATAIPL 2025 opening ceremony! ⭐#KKRvRCB | @shreyaghoshal pic.twitter.com/cDM8OpOIP3

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) March 22, 2025

The Saami Saami song was blissfull and very engaging. After that followed by the performance of ace actor Disha Patani with her graceful performance

Disa patani performance

Wow Disha the queen of Bollywood. Keep shining superstar#IPL #IPLonJioStar pic.twitter.com/mLvQai8tdf

— Bhullan Yadav (@bhullanyadav91) March 22, 2025

After that Karan Aujha gave his best performance, the stage was once again attained by King Khan where he had bunny banter with RCB legend Virat Kohli where both danced and enjoyed the moment together. 

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The Toss Time

The wait has yet been over and it, was, stated that the toss be commence on 7.10 pm.  The toss has just commenced where Kkr captain Rahane tossed the coin where RCB captain Rajat Patidar chooses heads. Where he won the toss and choose to bowl first. 

Eden Gardens in Kolkata is ready for the first game of the IPL 2025 as the defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders are hosting Royal Challengers Bengaluru (KKR vs RCB) on Saturday evening (March 22). Before the IPL 2025 opener, let's check some major things for the Dream11 selections for the KKR vs RCB match.

IPL 2025, Match 1: KKR vs RCB Predicted Playing XI

Kolkata Knight Riders Predicted Playing XI: Sunil Narine, Quinton de Kock (wk), Ajinkya Rahane (Captain), Rinku Singh, Venkatesh Iyer, Ramandeep Singh, Andre Russell, Harshit Rana, Spencer Johnson, Vaibhav Arora, Varun Chakravarthy

Royal Challengers Bengaluru Predicted Playing XI: Virat Kohli, Phil Salt, Rajat Patidar (Captain), Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma, Tim David, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Lungi Ngidi, Yash Dayal, Suyash Sharma

See Also: IPL:-Kolkata Police Respond to Concerns About IPL Match Rescheduling

Things to remember in Dream 11 team selection for KKR vs RCB match 1 IPL 2025

As there is a high chance for rain interruptions during the IPL 2025 opener between Kolkata Knight Riders and Royal Challengers Bengaluru at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, we should have put higher Dream11 selection rates on the fiery batters and in-form bowlers. Also, we should give more importance to the all-rounders.

Key Dream11 selections for the IPL 2025 Match 1: KKR vs RCB

Kolkata Knight Riders: Favourite choices for captain and vice-captain

Sunil Narine: Due to his aggressive batting in the powerplay and experienced quality bowling in the venue, the KKR legend Sunil Narine is one of the strong names for this fixture.

Andre Russell: KKR cricketer Andre Russell is another all-rounder who becomes fit in any shorter version of the cricket match. His explosive batting and effective pace bowling can always prove to be a game changer.

Varun Chakravarthy: In-form Indian spinner Varun Chakravarthy is now an important name. Although the rain-affected shorter format can affect his importance status, we can't ignore him now. 

Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Favourite choices for captain and vice-captain

Virat Kohli: Former Indian and RCB captain Virat Kohli is always a busy batter, as the right-handed batter can still be effective in any shorter T20 match. The fans will love to see the dominance of the leading run-scorer in IPL history.

Phil Salt: Although the English cricketer Phil Salt is currently not in good form, he is always a dangerous batter in any shorter cricket format. 

Liam Livingstone: English cricketer Liam Livingstone is always a dangerous batter in a shorter format who can change the game scenario very quickly. Even his cameo can influence his batting side. Also, Livingstone is useful as a part-time spinner as he can take key wickets.