As the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) gear up for the IPL 2025, they have their sights set on kicking things off in style against the defending champions, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). This eagerly anticipated match is set to take place at Kolkata’s iconic Eden Gardens on Saturday, March 22.
Last season, RCB found themselves in a sticky situation, teetering on the edge of elimination after dropping seven of their first eight games. They did, however, pull off an impressive comeback, stringing together six consecutive wins to secure a playoff spot, only for their journey to be cut short by the Rajasthan Royals in the Eliminator.
With the start of a brand new season, RCB have handed the captain’s armband to Rajat Patidar, moving on from Faf du Plessis. The team is hopeful that this change in leadership might just lead them to their long-awaited IPL glory.
As RCB prepares for their opening match, let’s dive into the expected lineup for their clash against KKR.
RCB Playing 11 vs KKR – IPL 2025, Match 1:
Openers: Virat Kohli, Phil Salt (wk)
Faf du Plessis’s departure has paved the way for a fresh opening pair this season. Phil Salt is stepping in to fill those shoes, bringing with him experience from his time at KKR where he was instrumental in their victorious campaign. Salt’s knowledge of Eden Gardens’ conditions could prove invaluable, boosted by his impressive tally of 435 runs in 12 matches at a strike rate exceeding 180 from last season.
Teaming up with him at the top, we have the cricketing maestro Virat Kohli. RCB’s quest for their maiden IPL trophy places a hefty responsibility on Kohli to continue his stellar performance. Last year, Kohli ended the season as the top run-scorer, amassing 741 runs with a commanding strike rate of over 150, surpassing all other batsmen who fell short of the 600-run milestone.
Middle-order batsmen and all-rounders: Rajat Patidar (c), Devdutt Padikkal, Liam Livingstone, Tim David, Krunal Pandya
Heading into the new season, the middle-order looks more formidable than ever. The captaincy of Rajat Patidar will be pivotal, especially after his commendable performance against spinners last year, racking up 395 runs at an impressive strike rate nearing 180. With Devdutt Padikkal back in RCB colors, expectations are high for him to rediscover his form from previous seasons where he scored in excess of 400 runs.
The all-rounder lineup featuring Liam Livingstone, Tim David, and Krunal Pandya adds crucial depth and versatility. Livingstone has already made a mark in the IPL, contributing 939 runs at a 160 strike rate, alongside claiming 11 wickets. Tim David, previously with Mumbai Indians, has the potential to turn games single-handedly, while Krunal Pandya’s seasoned presence, with 127 matches under his belt and the ability to deliver with both bat and ball, strengthens the squad further.
Bowlers: Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, Yash Dayal, Suyash Sharma
Historically, bowling has been RCB’s Achilles heel. This time, however, they have assembled a robust lineup hoping to change this narrative. Veteran pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar is set to lead the fast-bowling contingent alongside Josh Hazlewood and Yash Dayal. Meanwhile, Suyash Sharma is anticipated to be the principal spinner, with support from all-rounders like Livingstone and Krunal who can also provide valuable overs with their spin.
With a mix of seasoned players and promising new additions, RCB aims to make a significant impact right from their first game this season.
