The 18th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is set to begin on March 22, with a high-voltage clash between defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. KKR will aim to defend their title, a feat achieved only twice in IPL history by Chennai Super Kings in 2011 and Mumbai Indians in 2020.
Rahane to lead KKR instead of Iyer
KKR fans were left disappointed when Shreyas Iyer was left out of the retention list despite playing a crucial role in the team’s third title win. Iyer is now the captain of Punjab Kings. In his absence, KKR has handed over the captaincy to Ajinkya Rahane, an experienced leader who previously captained Rajasthan Royals. The challenge for Rahane will be to lead KKR successfully and balance his batting responsibilities.
Clash of IPL giants
This match promises to be an exciting contest between two powerhouse teams. KKR boasts star players like Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, Rinku Singh, Varun Chakravarthy, and Quinton de Kock. On the other hand, RCB will rely on Virat Kohli, along with key players like captain Rajat Patidar, Liam Livingstone, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, and Josh Hazlewood.
KKR’s strengths and weaknesses
KKR’s biggest asset is their spin duo, Varun Chakravarthy and Sunil Narine. These two can bowl eight overs that could trouble any opposition. The team also has an explosive batting trio in Rinku Singh, Andre Russell, and Ramandeep Singh, who are capable of destroying any bowling attack.
However, KKR will miss the presence of Phil Salt, Shreyas Iyer, and Mitchell Starc. Another concern is Rahane’s captaincy pressure, as he returns to IPL leadership after a long time.
RCB’s strengths and weaknesses
RCB has a powerful batting line-up with Virat Kohli and Phil Salt as potential openers. The middle order is packed with Jitesh Sharma, Liam Livingstone, and Tim David. Their pace attack, led by Josh Hazlewood, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Rasikh Salam Dar, and Yash Dayal, adds further strength.
On the other hand, their biggest weakness is their spin attack. Suyash Sharma is the only specialist spinner, while Krunal Pandya, Swapnil Sharma, Liam Livingstone, Tim David, and Jacob Bethell will have to contribute as part-time options.
Probable playing XI for both teams
Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Virat Kohli, Phil Salt, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar, Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma, Tim David or Jacob Bethell, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, Yash Dayal. Impact player: Rasikh Salam Dar or Suyash Sharma.
Kolkata Knight Riders: Quinton de Kock, Sunil Narine, Ajinkya Rahane, Venkatesh Iyer, Rinku Singh, Andre Russell, Ramandeep Singh, Harshit Rana, Spencer Johnson, Vaibhav Arora, Varun Chakravarthy. Impact player: Angkrish Raghuvanshi or Lavnith Sisodia.
With both teams boasting star-studded line-ups, this match is expected to be an electrifying start to IPL 2025.
