Gujarat Titans (GT) batter Sai Sudharsan complimented teammate Mohammed Siraj on his exceptional performance in their victory over Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on April 1, 2025, at M. Chinnaswamy Cricket Stadium. He referred to Siraj as the "game changer" and credited him with infusing tremendous energy into the team.

The 23-year-old was struck by Siraj's attitude and desire. He even re-enacted Siraj's iconic quote from India's T20 World Cup 2024 victory: "I only believed in Jassi Bhai."

"I have faith only in Siraj bhai. Siraj Bhai is the game-changer. His attitude and the energy he gives changes the entire team. I enjoyed it. I loved it. I thought he was going to have an excellent game because Siraj bhai is the game-changer," Sudharsan revealed in an interaction with batting coach Parthiv Patel.

 

 

 

 

 

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ALSO SEE: IPL 2025: Virat Kohli injury update

Siraj Shines as Gujarat Titans Stun RCB

Mohammed Siraj made a huge difference in his first match back at Chinnaswamy Stadium, as the Gujarat Titans won by eight wickets. He took three crucial wickets and proved to RCB what they missed by letting him go before the IPL 2025 auction.

RCB opened the season strongly with victories over Kolkata Knight Riders and Chennai Super Kings. Even their 17-year-old Chepauk losing streak came to an end. However, at home, they fared badly as Shubman Gill led the Gujarat Titans and brought their winning spell to a halt. Excellent bowling by Siraj restricted RCB to a very low score. Sai Sudharsan and Jos Buttler then finished off the chase quite comfortably to clinch an authoritative victory for the Gujarat Titans.

This win gives more confidence tothe  Gujarat Titans, whereas RCB needs to re-strategize. Siraj's performance raises the question of whether RCB should have released him.

RCB started their IPL 2025 season with a solid win against defending champions KKR at Eden Gardens. Chasing 175, Virat Kohli’s unbeaten 59 and Phil Salt’s quickfire 56 helped them reach the target comfortably in just 16.2 overs. Twitter went crazy after RCB won their first match of IPL 2025. Fans loved Virat Kohli and Salt’s aggressive batting, and memes filled social media (Twitter) in celebration.

1st win 🤞🥹
Rajat Captaincy 🔥
Kohli-Salt Mass Rampage 🥵
Livingstone last shots🕺
Bowlers Performance 👌👌
This is RCBBBBBBB🥹❤️ pic.twitter.com/elZMwKwy2w

— Nandu (@jaisantoshhhhh) March 22, 2025

Congratulations RCB for winning IPL 2025♥️♥️#RCBvKKR #IPL2025 pic.twitter.com/iL4YSNb5xe

— raptorrrrr (@raptorrrr_120) March 22, 2025

ALSO READ: Kohli's Explosive innings of fifty runs set the ground for RCB in IPL 2025 opener

RCB sent shivers down the line to all the other teams of IPL. They are hungry for the trophy and played like Hungry cheetahs 🔥 Great start to the tournament. #IPL2025 pic.twitter.com/9bDODdXtcQ

— Das PSPK 🦅 (@ImDas21) March 22, 2025

RCB registered thier 1st Win🔥🔥😍😍🥳🎉🎉#KingKohli #KKRvRCB #IPL2025 pic.twitter.com/Ln5Suwa0yB

— Chèrrybòyᵀᵒˣᶦᶜ🃏 (@Cherryboy_1711) March 22, 2025

Gelichesam roiiii 🔥
RCB wonuuuu

It's time to party noww🥳 pic.twitter.com/tMb982P90Q

— हafsa🐰ᴰᑫ (@hafsa09876) March 22, 2025

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.

A sensational bowler's performance from Krunal Pandya against the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) during the IPL season’s first match kept the audience on the edge of their seats. The franchise’s left-arm spinner showcased his magic on the field by collecting three vital wickets for merely 29 runs through his four-over stint.  

Krunal’s efforts slowed KKR’s batting pace down a notch. Precision and timing, combined with sharp variations and round arm deliveries made efficient settling impossible for the KKR batters. He earned important pieces of the puzzle for his team, which enabled them to take complete control over the match.  

Krunal Pandya delivers a masterclass spell against Kolkata Knight Riders. pic.twitter.com/aXEXzg5rJZ

— CricTracker (@Cricketracker) March 22, 2025

Also Read: Watch: Ajinkya Rahane's Crucial Wicket in KKR vs RCB IPL 2025 Match

This performance portrays that Krunal Pandya is not only limited to batting. He is undoubtedly one of the finest allrounders that the nation has produced. His spell is one of a few matched performed, so if he maintains this momentum, it will guarantee immense strength to the team throughout the tournament. His spell reduced the attendance of the opposition batters in the middle and boosted the confidence of his bowlers.  

watch: RCB VS KKR 1st IPL Match Live Streaming: Where & How to Watch on the tv and online

In the season opener of IPL 2025, played at Eden Gardens between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane led from the front with a blistering knock. He made 56 off just 31 balls, finished off with a barrage of six fours and four sixes, and showed his class throughout with attacking intent to set a solid foundation for KKR early on in their innings.

Also Read: Ajinkya Rahane Smashes Quickfire Half-Century in IPL 2025 Opener

Rahane's Dismissal – A Turning Point

The well crafted innings by Rahane came to a premature end when he tried to pull a shot against Krunal Pandya. Unfortunately, he pulled the shot too early and the ball ended up landing in Rasikh Salam's hands at deep backward square leg. That was a very important wicket and it gave RCB the much needed momentum shift along with giving them a breakthrough that changed the course of the match.

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 173/8 after 19.5 overs.

Wickets in consecutive overs for RCB 🔥☝️☝️

KKR skipper Ajinkya Rahane walks back after an explosive 56-run knock 💜👏

RCB are back in the game 💪

KKR - 109/3 (10.3)#KrunalPandya #AjinkyaRahane #KKRvRCB #IPL2025 #Sportskeeda pic.twitter.com/YMZu9HmXpb

— Sportskeeda (@Sportskeeda) March 22, 2025

After RCB's captain Rajat Patidar won the toss and decided to field first, Hazlewood took to the field with new ball in hand and, within seconds, was celebrating a wicket with his team. By the time his fourth delivery came around, he had secured a wicket.

Hazlewood bowled over the wicket with the first waiting to be bowled. He pitched the ball at acceptable length which was on the outer side of the stump and subtly in golden zone where the bat is able to slice the ball with a highly angled edge. De Kock made the attempt to seize the opportunity right away, went for a square cut but did not judge the required angle accurately. The ball crashed into a thick inside edge and set off lower to the Wicket Keeper Jitesh Sharma’s gloves. Luckily for him, he happens to be one of the few people who was willing to take it. All out! De Kock left the field having a mere 4 runs to his name off his two balls courtesy of a boundary that occurred prior.

GONE!⚡🧤

After getting a life, #QuintondeKock is caught behind courtesy a neat catch and #JoshHazlewood has the first wicket of #TATAIPL 2025! ❤

Watch LIVE action: https://t.co/iB1oqMusYv #IPLonJioStar 👉 #KKRvRCB, LIVE NOW on Star Sports Network & JioHotstar! pic.twitter.com/8W2uZzcDng

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) March 22, 2025

Also Read: IPL: Virat Kohli Dances with Shah Rukh Khan to "Jhoome Jo Pathaan"

 A dropped catch always means that the game becomes ten times more enthralling as was the case with de Kock's drop. This was instantly followed by a bowler’s style delivery being thrown at his dome suggesting he should go back to wherever he came from.

With de Kock gone, KKR had to rethink their batting approach, bringing Ajinkya Rahane to the crease earlier than planned. RCB, boasting a powerful batting lineup with Virat Kohli and Phil Salt, will look to capitalize on this strong start.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 is here with thrilling matches, and cricket fans are eagerly awaiting the Titans' battle between Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in Match 68. If you want to catch this match live from the stadium, continue reading for all the information you need to know about buying your tickets.

Match Details

Match: RCB vs KKR – Match 68
Date: May 17, 2025 (Saturday)
Time: 7:30 PM IST
Venue: M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru

Squad:

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)

Rajat Patidar (Captain), Virat Kohli, Yash Dayal, Josh Hazlewood, Phil Salt, Jitesh Sharma, Liam Livingstone, Rasikh Dar, Suyash Sharma, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Swapnil Singh, Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Nuwan Thushara, Manoj Bhandage, Jacob Bethel, Devdutt Padikkal, Swastik Chhikara, Lungi Ngidi, Abhinandan Singh, Mohit Rathee.

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)

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

How to Purchase RCB vs KKR Tickets

IPL tickets are much sought after and hence need to be booked prior. Browse the below-specified different ways in which you can book tickets for this thrilling match:

1. Online Ticket Booking

a) RCB Official Website

• Visit the RCB Official Website .
• Click on the "Tickets" or "Match Schedule" option.
• Select the RCB vs KKR match.
• Make your seat class selection and pay.

b) BookMyShow

• Open BookMyShow website or app.
• Type in "IPL 2025" or "RCB vs KKR" under sports.
• Select the stadium and date.
• Select seats, enter payment details, and book.

c) Paytm Insider

• Open Paytm Insider (app or website).
• Search IPL 2025 tickets and select RCB vs KKR.
• Pay and receive e-ticket via email/SMS.

ALSO SEE: How to Buy RR vs PBKS Match 67 Tickets - IPL 2025

2. Offline Ticket Booking

If you're one of those who prefer buying tickets offline, it is feasible to visit the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru. Tickets are available a few days ahead but in limited quantities. Do look out for sale time from the official stadium notice.

Ticket Price for RCB vs KKR Match 68

Even though the prices will vary exactly, given below is an estimate based on previous IPL seasons:

Stand/CategoryApproximate Price (INR)

• General Stands: ₹800 to ₹1,500
• Premium Stands: ₹2,000 to ₹4,000
• Pavilion Terrace: ₹5,000 to ₹8,000
• Corporate Boxes: ₹12,000 to ₹25,000
• VIP & Hospitality Suites: ₹30,000 to ₹50,000

The ticket prices may increase based on demand, and hence pre-booking is suggested.

Shraddha Kapoor to Perform at IPL 2025 Opening Ceremony

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is not just about cricket; it is a grand spectacle that blends sports and entertainment. Every season, the opening ceremony features dazzling performances from Bollywood stars and top musicians. For IPL 2025, Bollywood actress Shraddha Kapoor is likely to be one of the key performers, adding glamour and energy to the event.

Match Details:

• Date: March 22, 2025​
• Time: 7:30 PM IST​
• Venue: Eden Gardens, Kolkata​
• Teams: Kolkata Knight Riders vs. Royal Challengers Bangalore

Grand Opening Ceremony at Eden Gardens

The IPL 2025 opening ceremony is set to take place at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, on March 22, 2025. This iconic stadium will host an electrifying event before the first match of the season. Fans can expect a mix of Bollywood dance, live music, and special effects to kickstart the tournament in style.

ALSO READ:Hardik Pandya: From IPL 2024 Struggles to T20 World Cup Victory

Star-Studded Performances

Alongside Shraddha Kapoor, other big names from the entertainment industry are expected to perform. Reports suggest that Bollywood actor Varun Dhawan and popular singer Arijit Singh will also be part of the show. While Shraddha and Varun are known for their high-energy dance performances, Arijit Singh is expected to mesmerize the audience with his soulful voice.

Virat Kohli was involved in controversy during the crucial IPL 2024 match between Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). The former Indian captain’s frustration boiled over as a contentious decision cut short his innings, sparking a heated debate among fans and experts alike.

Kohli’s dismissal and his reaction

In the third over of RCB’s innings, Kohli faced a delivery from Harshit Rana, which appeared to be a waist-high full toss. Regarding the delivery, Kohli expressed his displeasure, believing it should have been called a no-ball. However, the on-field umpire’s decision stood, and Kohli, outfoxed by Rana, ended up giving a top edge to the bowler, resulting in his dismissal for 18 runs off seven balls.

See Also: Big blow to DC, star all-rounder ruled out of IPL 2024

Despite opting for a review, Kohli’s fate remained unchanged as the third umpire upheld the on-field decision. The disappointment was palpable as Kohli vented his frustration, questioning the umpire’s call and igniting a fiery exchange of words on the field.

Official Statement

In the match’s aftermath, Kohli was fined 50% of his match fee for breaching the IPL’s Code of Conduct. In an official statement, the IPL confirmed Kohli’s violation of Article 2.8, a Level 1 offence, and emphasized the binding nature of the match referee’s decision.

“Mr Virat Kohli, Batter, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, has been fined 50 per cent of his match fees for breaching the IPL Code of Conduct during Match 36 of the TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 against Kolkata Knight Riders at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata on April 21, 2024,” IPL said in a statement. As per the IPL statement, Kohli committed a Level 1 offence under Article 2.8 of the IPL’s Code of Conduct. The former RCB skipper admitted to the offence and accepted the match referee’s sanction. “For Level 1 breaches of the Code of Conduct, the Match Referee’s decision is final and binding,” the statement added.

Analysis of the Decision

The use of Hawk-Eye technology played a pivotal role in analyzing the trajectory of the delivery concerning Kohli’s stance. The TV umpire’s assessment revealed that the delivery would have passed below the batter’s waist had he remained within the popping crease, leading to Kohli’s dismissal.

Commenting on the incident, RCB skipper Faf du Plessis acknowledged the contentious nature of the decision, expressing his and Kohli’s belief that the ball was possibly higher than waist height.

Additionally, the IPL media advisory confirmed that RCB captain Du Plessis was fined for his team’s slow over-rate during the match against KKR, highlighting the importance of maintaining discipline on the field.

RCB vs KKR Match Preview

On Sunday afternoon at Eden Gardens, the Kolkata Knight Riders will face Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Match 36 of the 2024 Indian Premier League. KKR has won four of their six matches so far and is in second place, with RCB at the bottom of the table. KKR’s recent defeats have come against the early pace setters Rajasthan Royals and last year’s Champions Chennai Super Kings. RCB currently has no teams below them in the league, and their bowling unit’s confidence is particularly low, as evidenced by all of their bowlers recording economy rates ranging from 10.66 to 18.00 in their most recent match.

RCB vs KKR Match Details

Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Kolkata Knight Riders – 36th Match

Venue: Eden Gardens – Kolkata

Date & Time: 21th April 2024 at 03:30 PM IST 

Live Streaming: Jio Cinema

RCB vs KKR Venue Stats

RCB vs KKR Pitch Report

The field at the Kolkata will be flat, with little help available. The spinners get odd balls to grip and turn, but the ground is very small, and even mishits go over the ropes, so bowlers have very little control here.

RCB vs KKR Weather Report

Bangalore is experiencing a dry spell, so rain is not a concern. The temperature will range between 35 and 21 degrees, with a humidity of around 30%.

RCB vs KKR Last Five Matches

RCB vs KKR Head-to-Head Stats

Injury News

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

Also Read: Selfish or Selfless? Netizens divided on Rohit’s knock against CSK

RCB vs KKR Probable Playing XIs:

Royal Challengers Bengaluru Probable Playing XIs

Virat Kohli, Faf du Plessis (c), Will Jacks, Rajat Patidar, Saurav Chauhan, Dinesh Karthik (wk), Mahipal Lomror, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Reece Topley, Lockie Ferguson, Yash Dayal

Kolkata Knight Riders Probable Playing XIs

Phil Salt (wk), Sunil Narine, Venkatesh Iyer, Shreyas Iyer (c), Angkirsh Raghuvanshi, Rinku Singh, Andre Russell, Ramandeep Singh, Mitchell Starc, Varun Chakravarthy, Harshit Rana

Topmost Picks for RCB vs KKR Dream11 Prediction:

Top Picks – Royal Challengers Bengaluru

• Virat Kohli- Virat Kohli has carried RCB’s batting on his shoulders. He has been magnificent and currently holds the orange cap with 319 runs in six games, including a century and two fifties.
• Reece Topley- the tall English left-arm pace bowler was very expensive against Sunrisers Hyderabad but still got the first wicket of the evening when he dismissed Abhishek Sharma.

Top Picks – Kolkata Knight Riders

• Sunil Narine- the 35 year old all-rounder not only hit a century but also took 2/30 with the ball. He is having an exceptional IPL 2024 season.
• Harshit Rana- the 22 year old right-arm fast bowler took 2/45 in the last game at this venue but also has taken 3/33 against Sunrisers here earlier in this tournament.

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

Phil Salt, Dinesh Karthik, Angkirsh Raghuvanshi, Virat Kohli, Faf du Plessis(VC), Sunil Narine(C), Andre Russell, Will Jacks, Reece Topley, Varun Chakravarthy, Lockie Ferguson

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

Phil Salt, Dinesh Karthik, Angkirsh Raghuvanshi, Virat Kohli(C), Faf du Plessis, Sunil Narine, Andre Russell(VC), Will Jacks, Reece Topley, Varun Chakravarthy, Lockie Ferguson

Captain and Vice-Captain Options:

Captain – Sunil Narine, Virat Kohli

Vice-captain – Faf du Plessis, Andre Russell

Wicketkeeper – Phil Salt

RCB vs KKR Probable Winners:

KKR are the favourites to win. They are a more balanced team than RCB. The majority of KKR batters are in excellent form, and their bowling has been particularly impressive, with Cummins and Bhuvneshwar Kumar performing admirably in recent games. RCB has lost their last four games and has a poor bowling attack. It will be difficult for RCB to stop KKR at the small Chinnaswamy Stadium, so KKR should be backed to win. Considering the team combination, Kolkata Knight Riders are expected to win this match.