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KKR vs RCB IPL 2025 Match Preview, Head-to-head, Possible XIs and Fantasy Team Prediction

Read the full match preview, head-to-head stats, possible playing XIs, and Fantasy Team Prediction of the KKR vs RCB match in IPL 2025 at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on 22nd March, Saturday.

Mar 21, 2025, 11:53 AM4 min read

KKR vs RCB IPL 2025 Match Preview, Head-to-head, Possible XIs and Fantasy Team Prediction

The first match of the IPL 2025 will be played between Kolkata Knight Riders and Royal Challengers Bangalore at the Eden Gardens Stadium in Kolkata on March 22. Both teams will look to start their campaign with a win.

Both KKR and RCB will have new captains this year as the dynamics were changed at the mega auction. Veteran Indian batter Ajinkya Rahane has been named the captain for KKR, while Rajat Patidar will be at the helm for RCB this season.

This change in leadership makes the opening match of the tournament all the more exciting. The clash is also a nostalgic throwback to the first IPL season where both teams met for the first time.

Also Read: IPL Facts: Highest Strike Rate in IPL History (Minimum 2000 Runs)

From possible playing XIs to head-to-head record, here is everything you need to know about the KKR vs RCB match in IPL 2025.

Match Details

Match: Kolkata Knight Riders vs Royal Challengers Bangalore

Tournament: IPL 2025, Match No. 1

Date: 21 March 2025

Time: 7:30 PM IST

Venue: Eden Gardens, Kolkata 

Streaming Details

Cricket fans from India can watch the KKR vs RCB match LIVE on Star Sports TV Channels on Television. They can also stream the match LIVE on JioHotstar for free.

Pitch & Weather Report

Eden Gardens's flat surface and perfect bounce make it a batsman's paradise. But as the match goes on, the pitch tends to slow down, helping spinners.

Out of 93 IPL matches played at this venue, teams batting first have won 38 times while chasing teams have emerged victorious on 55 occasions.

While the weather forecast indicates a possibility of rain during the KKR vs RCB game, it shouldn't be enough to halt the match completely. The temperature is likely to hover in the mid-20s during the course of the match.

KKR vs RCB: Head-to-Head Record

Over the years, the KKR-RCB rivalry has been nothing short of thrilling. In their previous encounters, KKR has won 20 out of 34 matches, while RCB has emerged victorious on 14 occasions.

At home, the defending champions have eight wins and four defeats against the team.

The two teams met twice last year, and KKR prevailed on both occasions.

  • Played: 34

  • KKR: 20

  • RCB: 14

At Eden Gardens

  • Played: 12

  • KKR: 8

  • RCB: 4

Team News

Kolkata Knight Riders

KKR vs RCB IPL 2025 Match Preview, Head-to-head, Possible XIs and Fantasy Team Prediction

The defending champions will love to carry forward that momentum this season too, but this time they will need to find an able partner for Narine as Salt will sit in the rival dugout when they open the campaign against RCB at the Eden Gardens on Saturday.

KKR vs RCB IPL 2025 Match Preview, Head-to-head, Possible XIs and Fantasy Team Prediction

South African Quinton de Kock and Afghanistan’s Rahmanullah Gurbaz are two likely candidates to fill that void, with the possibility of the former being the first choice. But with De Kock not among games and Gurbaz having failed to score big in the Champions Trophy, the onus will be more on Narine.

Royal Challengers Bangalore 

KKR vs RCB IPL 2025 Match Preview, Head-to-head, Possible XIs and Fantasy Team Prediction

To make KKR’s loss look like RCB’s gain, Salt will need to get his mojo back after some ordinary knocks in international cricket in recent times. He will get enough support from his new opening partner, Virat Kohli, who too would miss his long-time associate Faf du Plessis.

The Indian batter has always operated as RCB’s batting fulcrum with Kohli-du Plessis and Kohli-de Villiers pairs making significant contributions in their campaigns. Kohli and du Plessis scored more runs than any other opening duo in the past two IPL seasons and thus Salt will have big shoes to fill.

KKR vs RCB IPL 2025 Match Preview, Head-to-head, Possible XIs and Fantasy Team Prediction

RCB will want Kohli to continue what he has been doing for so many years and Salt will have to play a good supporting role.

Also Read: IPL Facts: Who was hit the most sixes in IPL History? Top 10 list

Possible XIs

Kolkata Knight Riders: Quinton de Kock (wk), Sunil Narine, Ajinkya Rahane (c), Venkatesh Iyer, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Rinku Singh, Andre Russell, Anrich Nortje, Varun Chakravarthy, Harshit Rana, and Vaibhav Arora

Royal Challengers Bangalore: 

Phil Salt, Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar (c), Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Tim David, Krunal Pandya, Swapnil Singh, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, Yash Dayal.

Impact subs: Suyash Sharma and Mayank Markande.

Fantasy Team Prediction

Phil Salt, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, Venkatesh Iyer, Rajat Patidar (vc), Sunil Narine (c), Andre Russell, Liam Livingstone, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Varun Chakravarthy, Harshit Rana.

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IPL 2025: Will Mitchell Starc have to pay the price for pulling out mid-way? Explained

Many foreign players have returned to India for the remaining matches of IPL 2025, but some have completely refused to come this season. One of them is the name of Australian legend Mitchell Starc.

May 16, 2025, 11:01 AM3 min read

IPL 2025: Will Mitchell Starc have to pay the price for pulling out mid-way? Explained

The excitement of IPL 2025 is set to begin once again on May 17. However, the availability of foreign players has been a major challenge for many teams after the one-week postponement.

Many foreign players have returned to India for the remaining matches of IPL, but some have completely refused to come this season. One of them is the name of Australian legend Mitchell Starc. Starc was part of the Delhi Capitals team in IPL 2025.

Also Read: KKR Redefines Matchday Atmosphere with Unmatched Tifo Displays during IPL 2025

Starc returned due to India-Pakistan tension

However, Mitchell Starc returned to Australia due to tensions between India and Pakistan. Starc was also involved in the match when there was a sudden blackout in the match between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals in Dharamsala.

Many foreign players who played in this match were in shock, but now the situation has become normal and the tournament is starting again. In such a situation, there are many foreign players who have returned.

There is talk of imposing a penalty on Starc

Mitchell Starc was an important player for Delhi Capitals in IPL 2025, but Starc may be in trouble due to his non-return in the remaining matches. Starc was bought by Delhi Capitals for Rs 11.75 crore in the mega auction.

In such a situation, it is believed that the Delhi Capitals team can deduct the auction fee if he does not return for the remaining matches of the season, for which the Australian bowler is also said to be ready.

According to the report, Mitchell Starc may face a penalty of 400000 Australian dollars i.e. Rs 3.92 crore if he does not return to IPL 2025. This amount will be deducted from his auction fee.

Also Read: IPL 2025: Here are the overseas players who might not come for the remainder of the tournament

Starc's performance in IPL 2025

Talking about Starc's performance in IPL 2025, he has taken 14 wickets in 11 matches for Delhi Capitals at an economy rate of 10.16. Starc bowled very economically this season. So, his return could prove to be a big loss for Delhi Capitals as the team is in dire need of wins to make it to the top four of the tournament. 

Delhi Capitals are currently fifth on the IPL 2025 Points Table and are among the four contenders for the playoffs’ spot. They have three matches remaining, and a win in at least two of them will take them closer to the qualification. Winning all three, will guarantee a top four finish.

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KKR Redefines Matchday Atmosphere with Unmatched Tifo Displays during IPL 2025

KKR took fan experience to new heights by unveiling an unprecedented 14 different tifos across 7 home matches, setting a cultural benchmark not just in the IPL, but in Indian sport.

May 16, 2025, 9:03 AM2 min read

KKR Redefines Matchday Atmosphere with Unmatched Tifo Displays during IPL 2025

The City of Joy lived up to its billing during the IPL 2025 season as the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) turned Eden Gardens into a pulsating theatre of colour, creativity, and fandom.

The defending champions took fan experience to new heights by unveiling an unprecedented 14 different tifos across 7 home matches, setting a cultural benchmark not just in the IPL, but in Indian sport.

A ‘tifo’ often refers to a choreographed visual display, typically involving large banners, flags, or signs, performed by sports fans.

Read Also | IPL 2025: Here are the overseas players who might not come for the remainder of the tournament

From electrifying player-centric designs to moments to commemorate the ‘home of champions’, KKR delivered multiple tifos throughout the season, with the marquee clash against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the Eden Gardens witnessing a staggering seven unique tifos being unfurled.

KKR Redefines Matchday Atmosphere with Unmatched Tifo Displays during IPL 2025
Image | KKR media

Each tifo was conceptualised and executed to reflect the ethos of the franchise, reflecting fearlessness, expressiveness, and a deep connection to its city and its supporters, while also carrying the famous ‘Korbo, Lorbo, Jeetbo’ motto.

The unveiling of multiple tifos throughout the season not only added to the matchday experience but also reiterated KKR's commitment to their fans and the atmosphere at Eden Gardens. The initiative not only celebrated the team but also paid tribute to the loyal Knight Riders’ fan base, who have consistently packed the stands and brought the fortress to life.

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"Wear whites for Virat": RCB fans in Bengaluru to wear white for Virat Kohli Test tribute

Get ready to witness a sea of whites in Chinnaswamy stadium. RCB fans in Bengaluru to wear white for Virat Kohli Test tribute. Check the full article for all the details.

May 16, 2025, 7:40 AM2 min read

"Wear whites for Virat": RCB fans in Bengaluru to wear white for Virat Kohli Test tribute | sportzpoint.com

RCB fans in Bengaluru to wear white for Virat Kohli Test tribute? Yes! Fans are planning a special "wear white" initiative and asking the crowd to show up in whites for the upcoming RCB vs KKR match at Chinnaswamy Stadium on May 17, 2025.

As the IPL is set to resume tomorrow, and we will witness Virat Kohli play his first match after his announcement of test retirement, fans are organising a heartfelt tribute for the King!

The viral spread of white wave

A fan-driven moment is going viral recently where they call the crowd to wear white for a collective tribute to Virat Kohli after his test retirement.

Whether you have a test jersey or not, all they ask for is wearing anything white instead of the jerseys of IPL franchises.

Discussions on Reddit

The white tribute takes shape on reddit as fans try to reach out as much as possible.

Reddit discussion on how RCB fans in Bengaluru to wear white for Virat Kohli Test tribute | sportzpoint.com
Reddit discussion thread on wear white in Chinnaswamy tribute. Image | Reddit

Fans pledge to wear white in Instagram comments

Fans leave heartfelt messages on comments section of official Royal Challengers Bengaluru Instagram page.

RCB fans in Bengaluru to wear white for Virat Kohli Test tribute | sportzpoint.com
Comments on RCB's official Instagram handle. Image | Instagram 

Hashtags like #WearWhiteForVirat, #KohliTestTribute, and #KohliTestFarewell are the ones people are using to make this a trend before the upcoming IPL 2025 match.

RCB fans in Bengaluru to wear white for Virat Kohli Test tribute | sportzpoint.com
Comments on RCB's official Instagram handle. Image | Instagram 

Content Creators spreading the word

Many content creators have joined hands to support this initiative and they are getting huge responses.

Harsha Bhogle reacts on Twitter 

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IPL 2025: Here are the overseas players who might not come for the remainder of the tournament

Will your favourite overseas IPL star leave mid-season? Check out the list of overseas players who might not come for the remainder of the tournament in IPL 2025.

May 15, 2025, 2:13 PM2 min read

IPL 2025: Here are the overseas players who might not come for the remainder of the tournament

As IPL 2025 faced disruptions and was suspended on 9th May, 2025, most of the overseas players returned back to their respective home countries.

The tournament is set to resume from 17th May, 2025, and it raises a crucial question about how many overseas players can rejoin their franchises.

Given their international commitments and other issues, check out the overseas players who might not come for the remainder of the tournament in IPL 2025 for each team.

IPL 2025 Points Table

Firstly, see where each team stands before the tournament resumes.

Position  Teams Matches Played Won Lost NRR Points

1

Gujarat Titans  11 8 3 +0.793 16
2 Royal Challengers Bengaluru  11 8 3 +0.482 16
3 Punjab Kings  11 7 3 +0.376 15
4 Mumbai Indians  12 7 5 +1.156 14
5 Delhi Capitals 11 6 4 +0.362 13
6 Kolkata Knight Riders 12 5 6 +0.193 11
7 Lucknow Super Giants 11 5 6 -0.469 10
8 Sunrisers Hyderabad 11 3 7 -1.192 7
9 Rajasthan Royals 12 3 9 -0.718 6
10 Chennai Super Kings 12 3 9 -0.992 6

Read Also: Top 5 underrated players in IPL 2025

Overseas players return status for the remainder of IPL 2025

Teams

Return in Doubt

(players who might not come back)

Confirmed Arrivals

(players who are/have come back)

Players who stayed back in India

GT - Jos Buttler (Will be replaced in playoffs), Gerald Coetzee Rashid Khan, Kagiso Rabada, Sherfane Rutherford, D. Shanaka, K. Janat, Glenn Philips  
RCB Josh Hazlewood Jacob Bethell, Romario Shepherd, Phil Salt, Liam Livingston, Nuwan Thushara, Tim David, Lungi Ngidi -
PBKS Josh Inglis, Marcus Stoinis, Aaron Hardie Marco Jansen, Mitchell Owen, Xavier Bartlett, Azmatullah Omarzai,  -
MI Ryan Rickelton, Will Jacks, Corbin Bosch Trent Boult, Bevon Jacobs, Mujeeb Ur Rahaman, Reece Topley, Mitchell Santner -
DC Mitchell Starc, Faf du Plessis Tristan Stubbs, Dushmantha Chameera, Donovan Ferreira -
KKR Moeen Ali, Rovman Powell Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, Quinton de Kock, Spencer Johnson, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Anrich Nortje -
LSG - Aiden Markram, Mitchell Marsh, Matthew Breetzke, David Miller, Nicholas Pooran, Shamar Joseph -
SRH Wiaan Mulder Pat Cummins, Travis Head, Heinrich Klassen, Kamindu Mendis, Eshan Malinga -
RR Jofra Archer, Maheesh Theekshana Shimron Hetmyer, Wanindu Hasaranga, Fazalhaq Farooqi Kwena Maphaka, Lhuan-dre Pretorius
CSK Rachin Ravindra, Devon Conway, Jamie Overton, Sam Curran Matheesha Pathirana, Dewald Brevis, Nathan Ellis  Noor Ahmad

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IPL 2025 Restart: Here's the playoff scenarios before IPL 2025 resumes

The 18th season of Indian Premier League (IPL) will resume on May 17 after a week-long break with the remaining seven teams in contention for playoffs.

May 15, 2025, 1:22 PM4 min read

IPL 2025 Restart: Here's the playoff scenarios before IPL 2025 resumes

The 18th season of Indian Premier League (IPL) will resume on May 17 after a week-long break with the remaining seven teams in contention for playoffs. According to the revised IPL 2025 schedule, the remaining 13 league matches will be played across six venues. The league stage commences on May 27.

The revised IPL 2025 schedule meant a few teams will be deprived of home advantage. While Gujarat Titans and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (16 points each) are most likely to enter the final four, things could get tight for the likes of Kolkata Knight Riders and Punjab Kings.

Also Read: Top 5 underrated players in IPL 2025

Ahead of the IPL 2025 resumption, let's take a look at the qualification scenarios of all the seven teams in contention for playoffs. Notably, Chennai Super Kings, Rajasthan Royals and Sunrisers Hyderabad are officially out from the race to playoffs.

Only five teams can reach to the 18-point mark after the league stage. That means, 18 points could possibly be the cut-off for the teams in the race for playoffs.

IPL 2025 Points Table before resumption

Rank Teams Matches Win Loss NR Points NRR
1 Gujarat Titans 11 8 3 0 16 +0.793
2 Royal Challengers Bengaluru 11 8 3 0 16 +0.482
3 Punjab Kings 11 7 3 1 15 +0.376
4 Mumbai Indians 12 7 5 0 14 +1.156
5 Delhi Capitals 11 6 4 1 13 +0.362
6 Kolkata Knight Riders 12 5 6 1 11 +0.193
7 Lucknow Super Giants 11 5 6 0 10 -0.469
8 Sunrisers Hyderabad (E) 11 3 7 1 7 -1.192
9 Rajasthan Royals (E) 12 3 9 0 6 -0.718
10 Chennai Super Kings (E) 12 3 9 0 6 -0.992

Gujarat Titans (16 points)

With eight wins from 11 games, the Shubman Gill-led Gujarat Titans need just a win shy of confirming their place in the last four stage. They still have three games left in the league stage.

Remaining Games: vs DC (May 18), vs LSG (May 22), vs CSK (May 25)

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (16 points)

Just like Gujarat Titans, RCB are also just a win away from securing their spot in the last four stage. RCB also have three games left, including two at home, starting with a clash against KKR.

Remaining Games: vs KKR (May 17), vs SRH (May 23), vs LSG (May 27)

Punjab Kings (15 points)

Punjab Kings breathed a sigh of relief when it was announced their called-off game against Delhi Capitals will be replayed. With three games left, Punjab Kings could possibly reach 21 points, thus securing their first playoff spot over a decade.

Remaining Games: vs RR (May 18), vs DC (May 24), vs MI (May 26)

Mumbai Indians (14 points)

After losing a few matches initially, Mumbai Indians won six matches on the bounce to enter the top four. The Hardik Pandya-led side need to win their final two games to enter the playoffs without needing a help from others. In case, Mumbai Indians lose one, they will be locked at 16 points and would hope Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals falter.

Remaining Games: vs DC (May 21), vs PBKS (May 26)

Delhi Capitals (13 points)

Despite making a roaring start with five wins in their first six matches, Delhi Capitals lost the plot to find themselves out of the top four in the points table. With 13 points in the pocket and three games left to play, Delhi Capitals need to win all their remaining matches to ensure smooth entry into knockouts.

Remaining Games: vs GT (May 18), vs MI (May 21), vs PBKS (May 24)

Also Read: IPL 2025 to resume from 17th May: Here is the revised schedule

Kolkata Knight Riders (11 points)

Things look dicey for defending champions KKR who have won five and lost six so far. Rain played spoilsport in one of their games. With two games left, KKR could go to 15 points even if they win their remaining games. KKR would also hope for other teams to falter in order to get a crack into the last four stage. For KKR to go through, Punjab Kings need to lose all their games.

Remaining Games: vs RCB (May 17), vs SRH (May 25)

Lucknow Super Giants (10 points)

With a new captain in Rishabh Pant, LSG need to win their remaining three games to get to a maximum of 16 points. Like KKR, LSG too need to look at other teams for a change of fortune. Even if LSG win their last three games, they would Mumbai Indian and Delhi Capital to not win more than one game.

Remaining Games: vs SRH (May 19), vs GT (May 22), vs RCB (May 27)

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