The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 is officially underway as Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) take on Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in a thrilling opener at Eden Gardens in Kolkata.
This highly anticipated match marks the beginning of the 18th edition of IPL, running from March 22 to May 25, 2025, featuring a total of 74 matches. KKR, the defending champions, will look to assert their dominance, while RCB aims to rebound from a rocky season and secure their place among the best.
Both teams have undergone significant roster changes following the mega auction last year, adding an air of excitement as fans tune in to watch some of the top players in cricket today. Under the leadership of Ajinkya Rahane, KKR aims to start their title defense on a strong note, while RCB, now captained by Rajat Patidar, hopes to build a winning momentum right from the start. The opening clash is set for 7:30 PM IST, with the toss scheduled for 7:00 PM IST.
History shows that the pitch at Eden Gardens favors batters, boasting an average first innings score of 195 runs. In the last two IPL seasons, teams batting first here have won 50% of the time. Based on the statistical data, KKR's bowling economy in the middle overs (7-15) stands at 7.8, which is significantly better than RCB's 8.6, while RCB excels in the death overs (16-20) with a batting strike rate of 179.4 in comparison to KKR’s 165.20.
Fans can expect a closely contested game as both teams bring unique strengths to the field. If KKR posts 205 or more in their first innings, their winning probability leaps to approximately 80%. Historically, teams achieving that total have won 85% of their matches when batting first at Eden Gardens. On the flip side, RCB's top order, featuring stars like Virat Kohli and an impressive English core, is pivotal to their success in this match.
The last few encounters between these two teams have seen KKR dominating with four wins while RCB's last victory was back in IPL 2022. With 34 matches faced overall, KKR has taken the win in 20 while RCB has bagged 14 victories. This match only adds to their rich and competitive history.
All eyes will be on Venkatesh Iyer of KKR, whose performance will be scrutinized following a steep price tag in the auction. Similarly, fans will be looking for Virat Kohli to lead from the front and inspire his team to victory after a series of disappointing performances at the international level.
As the excitement builds, the official broadcasting of the match can be seen on Star Sports Network, while livestreaming will be available on the JioCinema app and website. This opening match not only sets the tone for IPL 2025 but also promises to showcase stellar performances as players vie for early-season accolades and glory.
With a new tournament on the horizon, fans are geared up for an exhilarating season of IPL cricket.
