The 18th season of the IPL kicks off tonight at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. Defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) face a reloaded Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in a high-voltage encounter scheduled for 7:30 PM IST on March 22, 2025. With new leadership and exciting line-ups on both sides, here’s everything you need to know—from match details and predicted playing XI to top Dream11 picks and fantasy strategy.
Match Essentials
- Date & Time: March 22, 2025, 7:30 PM IST
- Venue: Eden Gardens, Kolkata
- Broadcast: Live on JioHotstar and Star Sports Network
- Weather Update: Despite forecasts hinting at possible drizzle and an orange alert in Kolkata, Eden Gardens’ renowned drainage system should help keep the match on track.
Historical & Head-to-Head Insights
The rivalry between KKR and RCB has grown into one of the most exciting in the IPL. With 34 meetings so far, KKR lead with 20 wins compared to RCB’s 14. KKR have also enjoyed an 8-4 advantage in matches at Eden Gardens. Key historical records at this venue include:
- Highest Total: 262/2 by Punjab Kings (2024)
- Lowest Total: 49 by RCB (2017)
- Top Run Scorer at Eden: Gautam Gambhir with 1,407 runs
These numbers, along with KKR’s recent dominance (winning 6 of the last 8 encounters), add to the high stakes for tonight’s opener.
Predicted Playing XI
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)
- Quinton de Kock (wk) – Explosive opener who can also offer quick stumpings.
- Sunil Narine – A proven all-rounder with both bat and ball.
- Ajinkya Rahane (c) – Brings experience and stability to the middle order.
- Venkatesh Iyer – A dynamic scorer capable of accelerating the innings.
- Rinku Singh – Key partnership-builder and middle-order anchor.
- Andre Russell – Known for his game-changing power-hitting and bowling.
- Ramandeep Singh – Provides solid contributions in the lower middle order.
- Harshit Rana – A promising talent with the ball.
- Vaibhav Arora – Expected to add depth in the batting lineup.
- Spencer Johnson – Could be crucial with the new-ball pace.
- Varun Chakravarthy – Mystery spinner who can control the run rate in the middle overs.
Impact Sub: Angkrish Raghuvanshi or Luvnith Sisodia
Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)
- Virat Kohli – The ever-reliable run-machine and a top Dream11 captaincy option.
- Phil Salt (wk) – Offers aggressive starts and sharp wicketkeeping.
- Rajat Patidar (c) – New skipper tasked with leading a revamped squad.
- Jitesh Sharma – A promising batter expected to make an impact.
- Liam Livingstone – A power-hitter who can change the game in a few overs.
- Tim David – Provides balance and the ability to score quick runs.
- Krunal Pandya – All-rounder crucial in the middle overs with both bat and ball.
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar – Experienced swing bowler, key in powerplay and death overs.
- Josh Hazlewood – Consistent fast bowler, vital for RCB’s bowling attack.
- Yash Dayal – Emerging talent who can contribute in bowling.
- (Additional option such as Swapnil Singh or an emerging prospect)
Top 11 Dream11 Picks & Fantasy Tips
Based on recent form, head-to-head stats, and pitch conditions, here’s a suggested Dream11 line-up to boost your fantasy points:
- Quinton de Kock (KKR, WK) – Can provide an explosive start and contribute crucial points through both batting and wicketkeeping.
- Virat Kohli (RCB, BAT) – A bankable captain choice with a consistent scoring record.
- Ajinkya Rahane (KKR, BAT) – Expected to anchor the innings, especially if KKR bat first.
- Venkatesh Iyer (KKR, ALL) – Brings dynamism and can accelerate the run rate in the middle overs.
- Rinku Singh (KKR, BAT) – In-form and key for building vital partnerships.
- Andre Russell (KKR, ALL) – Offers massive point potential with his all-round abilities.
- Liam Livingstone (RCB, ALL) – His power-hitting can turn the game in a few overs.
- Krunal Pandya (RCB, ALL) – Provides balance, with the ability to contribute significantly with both bat and ball.
- Varun Chakravarthy (KKR, BOWL) – His wicket-taking ability and knack for controlling runs are invaluable.
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar (RCB, BOWL) – A proven performer in both the powerplay and death overs.
- Josh Hazlewood (RCB, BOWL) – Consistent and economical, he is likely to pick crucial wickets.
Captaincy Suggestion:
- Captain: Virat Kohli – For his high-scoring potential and consistency.
- Vice-Captain: Andre Russell – For his dual-threat as both a batter and a bowler.
