The 18th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) commenced on March 22, 2025, at Kolkata's Eden Gardens, featuring defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). The opening ceremony dazzled attendees with performances by Shreya Ghoshal, Disha Patani, and a special appearance by Shah Rukh Khan. KKR started strong, with Ajinkya Rahane (56) and Sunil Narine (44) forging a 100-run partnership. However, RCB's Krunal Pandya shifted momentum, claiming three pivotal wickets, including Rahane, Venkatesh Iyer, and Rinku Singh. Suyash Sharma further dented KKR's innings by dismissing Andre Russell for just 4 runs. At 150/6 in 15.4 overs, KKR's lower order faces the challenge of accelerating the run rate to set a competitive total. (PC, The Indian Express & Sports Tak)  

The 18th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) commenced at Kolkata's Eden Gardens, featuring defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). Both teams introduced new captains: Ajinkya Rahane for KKR and Rajat Patidar for RCB. KKR's lineup boasted key players like Venkatesh Iyer, Rinku Singh, and overseas talents Quinton de Kock and Moeen Ali. RCB's squad included stalwart Virat Kohli, explosive opener Phil Salt, and all-rounder Krunal Pandya. Historically, KKR has dominated this matchup, winning four of the last five encounters. Notably, in their previous season's clash, KKR edged out RCB by a single run in a thrilling finish at Eden Gardens. (PC: The Economic Times)

Kolkata Knight Riders' (KKR) spinner Varun Chakaravarthy has expressed his eagerness to face Royal Challengers Bengaluru's (RCB) star batter Virat Kohli in the IPL 2025 opener at Eden Gardens. Acknowledging Kohli's past performances against him, Chakaravarthy stated, "He has batted well against me, and I would like to do well against him also." The spinner emphasized the importance of thorough preparation, noting that he has been working on new deliveries to enhance his game. He also highlighted the need to approach each IPL season afresh, regardless of past successes, and praised the team's bolstered international lineup, including additions like Quinton de Kock and Anrich Nortje.   (Picture Courtesy: PTI)

The 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) commenced at Kolkata's Eden Gardens with defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) facing Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). RCB's new captain, Rajat Patidar, won the toss and elected to bowl first, noting the hard surface. KKR, led by Ajinkya Rahane, fielded a lineup featuring Quinton de Kock (wicketkeeper), Venkatesh Iyer, Rinku Singh, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Sunil Narine, Andre Russell, Ramandeep Singh, Spencer Johnson, Harshit Rana, and Varun Chakaravarthy. RCB's playing XI included Virat Kohli, Philip Salt (wicketkeeper), Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma, Tim David, Krunal Pandya, Rasikh Dar Salam, Suyash Sharma, Josh Hazlewood, and Yash Dayal. The pitch was expected to favor batting, but weather forecasts predicted a 45% chance of rain during match hours, potentially affecting play.  ( Picture Courtesy: Sportskeeda & Jagran Josh )

Former Indian Cricketer Aakash Chopra has identified Rajat Patidar as the pivotal player for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in IPL 2025. Patidar, who joined RCB in 2021 and was re-signed in 2022, has been appointed team captain, succeeding Faf du Plessis. Chopra emphasized that Patidar's performance could "make or break" RCB's season, highlighting his proficiency against spin and impressive six-hitting ability. Last season, Patidar amassed 395 runs at a striking rate of 177.13, including five half-centuries. Chopra also noted that while Virat Kohli remains crucial, Patidar's role is central to RCB's success. RCB has retained only three players: Kohli, Patidar, and Yash Dayal, and has assembled a well-balanced squad for the upcoming season.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 commenced on March 22 at Kolkata's Eden Gardens with a star-studded opening ceremony. Bollywood icon and Kolkata Knight Riders co-owner, Shah Rukh Khan, inaugurated the event with an inspiring speech. Renowned singer Shreya Ghoshal captivated the audience with her melodious performance, followed by electrifying acts from actress Disha Patani and singer Karan Aujla. The ceremony also featured a drone show, cake cutting, balloon release, and concluded with a spectacular fireworks display. Post-ceremony, the defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders faced Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the season's opening match. This year, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) plans to host opening ceremonies at all 13 venues, featuring various Bollywood celebrities.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season opener features the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) hosting the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at Eden Gardens on March 22. Both teams enter the tournament with new leadership: KKR under Ajinkya Rahane and RCB led by Rajat Patidar. KKR, the defending champions, are known for their aggressive batting and potent spin attack, spearheaded by Varun Chakravarthy and Sunil Narine. In contrast, RCB struggled last season but have bolstered their squad by acquiring Phil Salt and Suyash Sharma from KKR. However, inclement weather threatens the opener, with forecasts predicting rain during match hours, potentially disrupting play.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) fans showcased their unwavering support ahead of the IPL 2025 opener against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). In a recent video, two fans are seen atop a towering structure, proudly displaying RCB jerseys. The season kicks off tonight, March 22, at Kolkata's Eden Gardens, with KKR entering as defending champions. RCB, under new captain Rajat Patidar, aims to improve upon their previous season's fourth-place finish, where they exited after a loss to Rajasthan Royals in the Eliminator. The team's schedule includes matches against Chennai Super Kings on March 28 and Gujarat Titans on April 2.

The IPL 2025 opener between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) on March 22 faces uncertainty due to unpredictable weather in Kolkata. Despite early morning rain and thunderstorms, weather forecasts suggest a mix of cloudy and potentially clear conditions later. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for rain, raising concerns about delays or interruptions. However, other weather platforms like Accuweather predict reduced chances of rain, suggesting the match may proceed without significant disruption. Both teams had to cancel their practice sessions due to the rain.

The IPL 2025 season kicks off with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) facing Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at Eden Gardens. However, rain and thunderstorms could disrupt the match, as Kolkata’s weather forecast predicts light to moderate rainfall. Eden Gardens, known for high-scoring games, may witness big totals, with teams eyeing the 300-run mark this season. The match starts at 7:30 PM IST, preceded by a grand opening ceremony featuring Shreya Ghoshal and Disha Patani. Fans eagerly await an electrifying start, hoping the weather doesn’t play spoilsport in this much-anticipated clash.