We are ready for the IPL 2025 as Kolkata Knight Riders and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (KKR vs RCB) will face each other in the tournament opener on Saturday (March 22) evening at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. However, the weather forecast is a big concern for the cricket fans. 

IPL 2025 opener set with grand opening ceremony before the KKR vs RCB match

Defending champions KKR is ready to host RCB in the first game of the IPL 2025. This match has been scheduled to begin at 7:30 PM local time. Before the match, there is also a grand opening ceremony where the KKR co-owner Shah Rukh Khan will start the ceremony, and the Bollywood singer Shreya Ghosal, Bollywood actress Disha Patani, and Punjabi singer Karan Aujla will also perform along with a state-of-the-art Anamorphic Projection between 6:10 PM and almost 6:45 PM. Just before the toss, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) officials and captains will officially start the tournament following a celebration, fireworks, and photo shoot. 

See Also: IPL 18 Opening Ceremony: A Grand Celebration Minute by Minute

Orange alert for the IPL 2025 opener

All the plans are set, but the rain forecast is threatening all the plans for the IPL 2025 opener. The Indian Meteorological Department has issued an "orange alert" for Friday and Saturday (March 21 and 22) in several districts of West Bengal, including Kolkata. There is a threat of thunder squalls, gusty winds, lightning, hail, and moderate rainfall. 

Kolkata has been experiencing light and moderate rainfall since Friday

Kolkata experienced light and moderate rainfall on Friday, and also early Saturday. Although the present moment sees a good sunny condition, the weather forecast suggests a significant light to moderate rain threat on Saturday evening in Kolkata, mostly between 6 PM and 10 PM. 

Eden Garden has powerful management to fight against weather

While Eden Gardens has a strong drainage system and the strong ability to cover the stadium properly, the light to moderate rain threat isn't actually a big issue. If the weather gets clear, the stadium management doesn't take much time to make the ground available for the game. However, the rain forecast can hamper the opening ceremony plan massively.  

The league stage of the IPL can be extended for an hour. If a match can't be available to run for a minimum of five overs in each innings, it ends with no result where both teams earn one point each. 

We are ready for the IPL 2025 as the defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders are ready to begin the new IPL season by hosting Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the first game of the season at Eden Gardens in Kolkata this Saturday (March 22). However, the unpleasant weather forecast has raised tension among the cricket fans. 

The IPL 2025 opener will be the evening match as it has been scheduled to begin at 7:30 PM local time. The KKR vs RCB fixture is set to kick off the tournament on a high note, while the popular celebrities are ready for the opening ceremony of the IPL 2025. Fans are also excited to experience the IPL 2025 opener in a memorable way. 

See Also: Anil Chaudhary Steps Down As International and IPL Umpire

IPL 2025: KKR vs RCB - IMD has issued "Orange Alert"

However, the rain forecast can affect the exciting IPL 2025 opener. The Indian Met Department (IMD) has issued an "orange alert" for Kolkata which can be extended till Saturday, March 22. There is a likely threat of light or moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds.

After some heat weather in recent weeks, while the temperatures moved to uncomfortable situations, Kolkata and its nearby are facing little rainy moments in the ongoing week that have dropped the temperatures significantly. 

Recently, the KKR intra-squad match couldn't end due to short rain, as the second innings wasn't possible. Although Kolkata experienced little rain, both KKR and RCB managed to complete their practice sessions. 

Minimum five overs in both innings for any result

While the match time can be extended for an hour, both teams must have to play five overs each to bring a result of a match. In case of the no result or the match abandoned, both teams will earn one point each. However, none of the cricket fans want to start an IPL season with a rain-affected game, especially to experience a match abandoned without a ball being bowled.  

One of the good news is that Eden Gardens has a strong drainage system as little rain can't affect a T20 cricket strongly. 

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have followed their own tradition of continuing to perform Wicket Pujo before the start of their IPL 2025 season. The tradition, which is so deeply embedded in Kolkata culture, is said to ensure good luck and blessings for the tournament.

The ritual was held at the home stadium of the team, Eden Gardens, with players, support staff, and management present. Wicket Pujo is KKR's attempt to invoke divine blessings for good performances, injury-free games, and a good season.

ALSO SEE: Sanju Samson’s Statement on MS Dhoni: A Big IPL 2025 Revelation

Shubho Aarombo 🙏🌸 pic.twitter.com/2ve1awWZLq

— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) March 12, 2025

Throughout their years, KKR has adopted cultural practices in addition to their cricket preparation, hence a team with an emotional bond with the public. With such a spiritual beginning, KKR anticipates a big performance in IPL 2025.

Will the ritual be lucky for them? Only time will tell!

Kolkata Knight Riders' Home Ground - Eden Gardens in Kolkata

Defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are looking for a strong season in the IPL 2025. Their iconic home venue, Eden Gardens (Kolkata), will not only host the tournament opener but also host the Qualifier 2 and Final of the tournament. 

Recent matches played by KKR at Eden Gardens

• IPL 2024 League Match: KKR vs MI - Hosts won by 18 runs
• IPL 2024 League Match: KKR vs DC - Hosts won by 7 wickets
• IPL 2024 League Match: KKR vs PBKS - Punjab Kings won by 8 wickets

Kolkata Knight Riders' IPL 2025 Home Matches at Eden Gardens in Kolkata

How to Buy Tickets for KKR Matches at Eden Gardens in Kolkata

(All the following information about IPL 2025 tickets is only expected. The actual information will be updated once the official statements)

Online Booking:

• Available on BookMyShow, PayTM Insider, and the KKR official website.
• Select your match, choose your seats, and make the payment.

Offline Purchase:

• Offline tickets may be available at the Eden Gardens box office and selected retail outlets.

Ticket Prices (Estimated):

• INR 750-3000 (Blocks)
• INR 5000-8000 (Club House Tiers)
• INR 8500 (B Premium)
• INR 19000-28000 (VIP-Corporate Hospitality) 

Cricket is often seen as more than just a sport in India—it’s a passion, a religion, and sometimes, a lifeline. This was evidenced once again when former Indian cricketer Yuvraj Singh discovered a 4-year-old cricketing prodigy named Rishika from Kolkata.

Singh, known for his knack for spotting and nurturing young talent, took notice of Rishika’s remarkable batting skills after a video of her playing cricket went viral on social media.

The viral sensation

A few days ago, a video featuring Rishika playing cricket with her father in the Newtown area of Kolkata captured the internet’s attention. The young girl was seen exhibiting batting techniques that resembled those of professional players, showcasing her natural talent and passion for the game.

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The video quickly went viral, with numerous fans praising her god-gifted talent. Many remarked that she seemed destined to play cricket. The overwhelming positive response highlighted her potential and brought her into the spotlight, catching the attention of one of India’s cricketing legends, Yuvraj Singh.

Yuvraj Singh’s generous offer

Recognizing Rishika’s potential, Yuvraj Singh, who has been actively involved in nurturing cricketing talent through his Centers of Excellence in partnership with Merlin Group, decided to offer her a scholarship.

This announcement was made during the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 match in the United States, where Yuvraj also serves as the official brand ambassador. In a formal ceremony, Rishika was awarded the scholarship, marking a significant milestone in her budding cricketing journey.

A special gift from Yuvraj

In addition to the scholarship, Yuvraj sent Rishika a signed cricket bat as a token of his appreciation and encouragement. This gesture not only delighted Rishika but also served as a powerful symbol of support from one of India’s cricketing greats.

Overcoming adversities

Speaking about Rishika, Yuvraj said that the young girl is extremely talented at such a young age and some of her shots left him flabbergasted.

“The Yuvraj Singh Center of Excellence at Merlin Rise, Kolkata is committed to nurturing young cricketing talent. Cricket talent has always been ahead in Bengal and we are giving this special scholarship to talent like Rishika Sarkar. I have seen videos of him playing cricket and I believe he is very talented at such a young age. Some of her shots moved me. We will assist him in his training at our High-Performance Training Center at YSCE at Merlin Rise, Kolkata, and our coaches will help her hone his talent further,” said Yuvraj.

Comprehensive training and support

Rishika will receive professional coaching three days a week at the Yuvraj Singh Center of Excellence (YSCE). The coaches at YSCE will closely monitor her progress, ensuring she gets the best possible training and guidance.

Indian cricketer and YSCE (Yuvraj Singh Centre of Excellence) Head Coach Satyendra Singh stated that Rishika has a bright future ahead. “It was a raw and inborn talent. We hope we can help her and her future is bright,” said Satyendra.