Cricket Prediction | KKR vs RCB | Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 | 1st Match | March 22 – Can KKR Start IPL 2025 with a Bang, or Will RCB Steal the Show?

KKR vs RCB Match Analysis

The 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) begins with an electrifying contest as Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) take on Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the Eden Gardens on March 22, 2025, at 8:00 PM. 

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) A three-time IPL champion (2012, 2014, 2024), KKR has a rich history of success and is known for its balanced squad, aggressive approach, and passionate fanbase. Playing at home, they will look to capitalize on their familiarity with the conditions and begin their title defense on a high.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) despite boasting some of the biggest names in cricket, RCB is still in search of their maiden IPL title. The team will be determined to break their trophy drought this season and has assembled a formidable squad with both explosive batters and a strengthened bowling unit.

Kolkata Knight Riders vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru Team Preview & Squads

Kolkata Knight Riders

Ajinkya Rahane, known for his calm and composed leadership, takes charge of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in IPL 2025. A seasoned campaigner with vast experience in the IPL and international cricket, Rahane brings stability and tactical acumen to the squad. 

Quinton de Kock is an explosive T20 batter, known for his aggressive stroke play and powerplay dominance. As KKR’s wicketkeeper-batter, he provides a strong start at the top of the order. His experience and adaptability make him a valuable asset in high-pressure situations.

Sunil Narine, a veteran of KKR, remains a key player with his mystery spin, especially in the middle overs. His ability to choke runs and take crucial wickets makes him a threat. Narine’s pinch-hitting skills also add depth to KKR’s batting lineup.

Kolkata Knight Riders clinched their third IPL title, defeating Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) by 8 wickets in the 2024 final at Chennai. KKR’s bowlers dominated, restricting SRH to just 113 runs, with Mitchell Starc and Andre Russell leading the attack. Chasing 114, KKR cruised to victory in 10.3 overs, sealing the win with 57 balls to spare.

Kolkata Knight Riders Squads

Kolkata Knight Riders Squads

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

Royal Challengers Bengaluru

Rajat Patidar takes over as RCB captain for IPL 2025, marking a new era for the franchise. Known for his composed batting and ability to handle pressure, he aims to lead RCB to their maiden title. His experience will provide stability in the middle order.

Virat Kohli remains the heart and soul of RCB, continuing to be their most dependable and prolific run-scorer. With unmatched consistency, aggressive stroke play, and a hunger for big runs, Kohli is the backbone of the batting lineup. 

Lungi Ngidi, the South African pace spearhead, brings firepower to RCB’s bowling attack with his express pace and sharp bounce. Known for his ability to bowl in the powerplay and death overs, Ngidi is a genuine wicket-taker who can trouble batters with his variations.

IPL 2024 Eliminator — Rajasthan Royals beat Royal Challengers Bengaluru by 4 wickets. RCB scored 172/8 with Virat Kohli and Rajat Patidar putting up a show. RR scored 173 in 19 overs, with Yashasvi Jaiswal at the top, followed by Riyan Parag and Shimron Hetmyer.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru Squads

Royal Challengers Bengaluru Squads

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

KKR vs RCB Outfield Report

Eden Gardens, Kolkata

The Eden Gardens pitch is known for being a balanced wicket that provides assistance to both batsmen and bowlers. Traditionally, it offers good bounce and carry, making it favorable for fast bowlers early on. The pitch generally becomes more spin-friendly as the match progresses, especially in the latter stages.

The weather in Kolkata during the IPL season (typically March to May) is usually hot and humid, with temperatures often ranging between 25°C to 35°C. The humidity levels can be high, making the playing conditions tough for the players, particularly during afternoon matches.

Eden Gardens has hosted thrilling IPL matches, with KKR’s highest score of 222/3 against RCB in 2019. The average first-innings score is around 160-170, and chasing teams often succeed by maintaining wickets and accelerating in the later stages. 

Kolkata Knight Riders vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru Head-to-Head Stats of Last 5 Matches

In the last 5 head-to-head matches between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), KKR has dominated with 4 wins. RCB won once.

KKR vs RCB Prediction

According to cricket analysts Kolkata Knight Riders have a 60% chance of Winning

Disclaimer: This cricket prediction is based on the author’s insights and analysis. Readers should consider the points discussed and draw their own conclusions.