Mist around the veteran Indian seamer Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who is part of Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) for the ongoing IPL 2025 season, as he has injury concerns from the beginning of the tournament.

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Kumar missed the season opener against the Kolkata Knight Riders, still not about his availability for the CSK match, which is set to play in the Chepauk stadium on March 28. RCB and Indian cricket fans have high hopes for the 'swing master,' who previously got back-to-back purple caps as the leading wicket-taker. The right-arm fast bowler has shown his brilliance in the recent domestic cricket as well. Now the questions arise, will Bhuvneshwar Kumar play against Chennai Super Kings, and when will he be fit to play the IPL 2025?

Previously it was reported that he has a little niggle; for that reason, RCB management decided not to play him in Eden Gardens, Kolkata. RCB faced KKR on March 22, Saturday. After that, there is no strong evidence or report about Kumar's fitness. Though a social media post by the official RCB account stated that, "Bhuvi will be swinging back into action sooner and bolder than ever!" But when? That's the question without a proper answer.

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There are some speculations suggesting that Kumar is yet to recover his fitness at a higher level, and for this, he can spend more time outside the playing XI. It seems that Kumar may miss the CSK match as well, like he was out from the Kolkata Knight Riders match. If Bhuvneshwar is not ready to play the upcoming match against CSK, then Rashid Dar Salaam might get another match to showcase his talent.

Indian chronic bowler Mohammad Siraj reflected on his moving story of switching from Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) to Gujarat Titans (GT) for IPL 2025. Siraj, who served RCB for seven years, stated that sporting the GT jersey for the first time was a very touching moment for him.

Emotional Exit from RCB:

When reminiscing about the process, Siraj expressed, "I was feeling emotional when I don't wear the GT jersey first time because it was seven years with RCB." He has been a major pacer for RCB in recent years and has built strong relationships with the team and its followers. His exit from the team marks an important step in his IPL career.

Mohammad Siraj said, "I got emotional when I wore the GT jersey for the first time, because it was 7 years with RCB. But I'm not feeling new here, the environment here is amazing". pic.twitter.com/bJRJs47mkH

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) March 25, 2025

Also Read:-BCCI Central Contract Update: Major Changes Expected in the 2025 List

Warm Welcome at Gujarat Titans:

Despite the emotions, Siraj thinks that he is at his new home with his new team. "I'm not new here; the place is good," he added. GT officials, alongside players who have all been so warm and welcoming to him, have made his transition very smooth. Supporting the pace attack of GT for IPL 2025 as Siraj’s role under Hardik Pandya’s captaincy is pivotal is anticipated.

Also Read:-RR vs KKR – Weather & Pitch report

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is the most thrilling cricket competition in the globe. Fans of their favorite teams can't wait every year to witness their teams' performances. Some teams, though, have had a poor run in the season-opener match. Let's examine the record for the longest sequence of losing the season-opening game in IPL history.

Mumbai Indians – 13 Seasons (2013-2025) Mumbai Indians (MI) holds the record for the longest streak of losing the inaugural game of IPL. From 2013 to 2025, they lost their initial match. In spite of that, MI remained one of the most successful teams in IPL, winning numerous championships. This peculiar phenomenon of losing the first match has never been a stumbling block for their performance in the second half of the tournament.

Sunrisers Hyderabad – 6 Seasons (2019-2024) Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) also saw a prolonged stint of losing the first match of the season for six years consecutively between 2019 and 2024. Even though they performed well in some seasons, they have not been able to begin their campaign on a winning note

Delhi Capitals – 6 Seasons (2013-2018) Delhi Capitals (DC) suffered the same during 2013-2018, losing their opening game for six successive seasons. It was an ill-fated period for the team, as they could not be consistent in the IPL.

Punjab Kings – 5 Seasons (2008-2012) Punjab Kings (formerly known as Kings XI Punjab) experienced a five-year run of first-match losses from 2008 to 2012. While they had good performances in various seasons, their tournament beginning was usually a disappointment.

ALSO READ:IPL 2025 GT vs PBKS: player battles to watch out

Other Streaks of Note

• Chennai Super Kings (CSK) lost their first match in three successive seasons (2021-2023).
• Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) also experienced a three-season sequence (2017-2019).
•  Rajasthan Royals (RR) also had a similar sequence of struggles from 2008 to 2010.
• Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) lost their opening match in two consecutive seasons (2011-2012).
• Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) lost their opening match in 2024.
• Gujarat Titans (GT) never lost their opening match in a season ever since their arrival.

Virat Kohli has done something no one else has done in the history of the IPL.

He has now scored 1000+ runs against four teams in the IPL:

• 1000+ runs against Chennai Super Kings (CSK)
• 1000+ runs against Delhi Capitals (DC)
• 1000+ runs against Punjab Kings (PBKS)
• 1000+ runs against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)

This is not just statistics. This is how great, consistent, and hardworking Kohli has been season after season. He gives his best in every IPL season. It doesn't matter whether he is playing against whom. Whenever he faces any opponent, he stands up to the occasion and performs.

ALSO SEE: Expected Changes for Ramandeep Singh's Injuries on KKR’s IPL 2025 Team

Scoring 1000 runs against a single team is not an easy job. But Kohli has done that against four! That needs talent, patience, and a strong mind.

He has been a part of the IPL since season one, and he's continuing. Kohli is 36 years old and hasn't looked back. He's still hungry for runs, and he still desires to win.

Virat Kohli is not just a cricketer. He is a feeling for cricket lovers.
He is a leader, a legend, and genuinely – THE GOAT.

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

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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.

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

ALSO READ:-Why bhuvaneswar Kumar is not playing today's match KKR VS RCB: IPL 2025

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

ALSO READ:-IPL:-Kolkata Police Respond to Concerns About IPL Match Rescheduling

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.