KKR vs RCB Match Prediction, Fantasy Cricket Tips, Pitch Report, and Playing XI of 1st Match of IPL 2025

The 18th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is finally here, and cricket fans are gearing up for another thrilling season. With 74 matches set to take place over the next two months, IPL 2025 promises to be the best-ever iteration of the famous tournament. Defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) will kick off the tournament against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at Eden Garden on 22nd March.

 The IPL 2025 Season 18 kicks off with a bang as the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) face off against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) at the iconic Eden Garden in Kolkata on March 22, 2025, at 7:30 PM. Cricket fans are in for a thrilling showdown featuring some of the biggest names in the game—Virat Kohli, Josh Hazlewood, Ajinkya Rahane, Andre Russell, and Sunil Narine. Eden Garden, known for its electric atmosphere and high-scoring pitch, will set the stage for an action-packed match with explosive batting, clever spin, and pace bowling. The dew factor in the second innings could make chasing easier, but with the IPL 2025 new rule, the ball may be changed after the 11th over, giving bowlers a better chance to fight back in the evening conditions. Whether you’re a fantasy cricket player or a die-hard fan, this opener promises to deliver excitement, fierce competition, and unforgettable moments. Don’t miss out—get ready for a nail-biting start to IPL 2025 as these two powerhouses clash for supremacy

Head-to-Head: KKR vs RCB - Who Holds the Advantage?

KKR and RCB have had some fierce battles over the years, with KKR historically holding the upper hand. With the match being played at Eden Garden, KKR will have the home advantage, and their spin-heavy attack of Sunil Narine and Varun Chakravarthy could be a major threat on a turning track. Their batting lineup, led by Andre Russell, Rinku Singh and new signing Ajinkya Rahane, looks solid, and they’ll be keen to start their title defense with a win. On the other hand, RCB boasts an explosive batting unit, featuring Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, and Phil Salt. However, their biggest concern has always been their bowling attack, which often struggles in high-scoring encounters. While Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazelwood add depth, they’ll need to handle KKR’s aggressive top order. Given KKR’s superior bowling attack and home conditions, they might start as slight favorites. But RCB’s firepower makes them dangerous, and if their bowling holds up, an upset could be on the cards. Let’s break down their head-to-head record to see who holds the edge ahead of the IPL 2025 opener:

Total Matches Played: 32

KKR Wins: 18

RCB Wins: 14

No Result/Abandoned Matches: 0

Despite RCB having the firepower of Virat Kohli, Phil Salt, and Tim David, KKR’s all-around strength and explosive players like Andre Russell and Rinku Singh give them the upper hand in this head-to-head contest. However, it’s always been a close battle, with both sides frequently trading blows in IPL clashes.

Predictions: Who Will Win the IPL 2025 Opener?

As far as fantasy cricket is concerned, RCB might have the edge with their explosive batting lineup led by Kohli, Phil Salt, Livingstone and Tim David, but KKR’s balanced squad and the presence of all-rounders like Russell and Narine make them a formidable opponent. Eden Gardens, with its high-scoring potential, might slightly favor the batting-heavy teams, so expect a run-fest!

Injury Update: Chetan Sakaria has been named as a replacement for the injured Umran Malik in IPL 2025. Malik, who sustained an injury, will be unavailable for the upcoming season, while Sakaria steps in to bolster the bowling attack for his team.

KKR vs RCB Match, Date, Time, & Venue: 

Match: KKR vs RCB 1st Match of IPL 2025     

Date: 22 March 2025   

Time: 7:30 PM    

Stadium: Eden Garden  

Location: Kolkata 

KKR vs RCB Match Pitch Report:     

Eden Garden in Kolkata is known for its vibrant atmosphere and a pitch that offers a balanced contest between bat and ball. The surface generally provides good pace and bounce, making it favorable for both fast bowlers and batsmen in the early overs. As the game progresses, the pitch tends to favor spinners, who can exploit the turning ball in the middle overs. The fast outfield and short boundaries make it a high-scoring venue, with 180-190 being a competitive total. 

Sunil Narine, Quinton de Kock (wk), Venkatesh Iyer, Ajinkya Rahane (C), Rinku Singh, Andre Russell, Ramandeep Singh, Harshit Rana, Spencer Johnson, Vaibhav Arora, Varun Chakravarthy  

Impact Players: Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Mayank Markande

Possible playing 11 for RCB:   

Philip Salt(wk), Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar (c), Devdutt Padikkal, Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma, Krunal Pandya, Suyash Sharma, Yash Dayal, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood 

Impact Players: Tim David, Lungi Ngidi

KKR vs RCB Fantasy Team:      

Wicketkeepers: Philip Salt

Batsman: Ajinkya Rahane, Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar    

All-rounders: Sunil Narine, Andre Russell, Krunal Pandya, Liam Livingstone

Bowlers: Varun Chakravarthy, Harshit Rana, Josh Hazlewood,    

KKR vs RCB Team for Today Match:

KKR vs RCB Prediction Captain and Vice-Captain:     

Choice 1: Sunil Narine (C), Rajat Patidar (VC)      

Choice 2: Virat Kohli (C), Varun Chakravarty (VC)

KKR vs RCB Fantasy Prediction Backups:   

Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Mayank Markande, Khushdil Shah, Tim David, Lungi Ngidi     

Disclaimer:     

The author has provided you with the above-mentioned match prediction on the basis of his research, understanding, and analysis, consider the points and make your own decision

Also Read: KKR IPL 2025 Schedule, Squad, Key Players & Predicted Playing XI