IPL 2025: KKR And RCB Set To Clash Today In Season Opener
The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 is all set to kick off with an exciting clash between defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, on Saturday, March 22 (today).
This highly anticipated season opener promises to be a thrilling encounter as both teams gear up for a fresh start.
KKR, who come into the tournament as the defending champions, will have a lot to prove. With Shreyas Iyer’s departure to Punjab Kings (PBKS), Ajinkya Rahane has been appointed as the captain for the season.
The team’s management has also undergone a major change, with Dwayne Bravo stepping in as the mentor, following Gautam Gambhir’s appointment as the head coach of the Indian men’s team.
KKR has strengthened their squad with the inclusion of South African pacer Anrich Nortje after Mitchell Starc moved to Delhi Capitals (DC).
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However, they suffered a blow when Umran Malik was ruled out of the tournament, with Chetan Sakariya replacing him. The focus will also be on Venkatesh Iyer, who was bought for a hefty sum of Rs 23.75 crore in the mega auction last year.
On the other hand, RCB enters a new era under the leadership of Rajat Patidar. The talented batsman, who led Madhya Pradesh to a runner-up finish in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, takes over from Faf du Plessis.
To bolster their squad, RCB has made significant additions, including the signing of explosive batsman Phil Salt and experienced fast bowlers Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood.
Despite their consistent performances over the years, RCB has yet to clinch their maiden IPL title, making this season even more crucial for the team.
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While excitement is building around the match, the weather forecast has raised concerns. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an Orange Alert for South Bengal, predicting thunderstorms and rain from Thursday to Sunday.
This includes the opening match day, which may be at risk of delays or even abandonment, creating further tension among fans and players alike.
The match is scheduled to start at 7:30 PM IST (2:00 PM local time), with live coverage available on Star Sports Network. Viewers can catch the action on various Star Sports channels, including Star Sports 1 SD/HD, Star Sports 2 SD/HD, and more.
Adding to the excitement, Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, the owner of KKR, made an appearance at the Kolkata airport on Friday evening, sending fans into a frenzy.
𝐊𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐊𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐤𝐚 𝐩𝐲𝐚𝐚𝐫, 𝐊𝐧𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 𝐤𝐞 𝐧𝐚𝐚𝐦 💜 pic.twitter.com/mx2EkNHLdT
— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) March 22, 2025
Dressed casually in a white T-shirt and denim, with a waistcoat, Shah Rukh waved to the ecstatic crowd, blowing kisses and giving thumbs up. Fans, thrilled by his presence, cheered “Love you, King Saab!” as the actor made his way through the airport with his security team.
