Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are gearing up for a strong start to their IPL 2025 campaign as they take on the reigning champions, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), in a highly anticipated clash at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, on Saturday, March 22.
RCB will be eager to avoid a repeat of their shaky start in IPL 2024, where they lost seven of their first eight matches and narrowly escaped elimination. However, they staged an incredible comeback, winning six consecutive games to secure a playoff spot before their journey ended with a defeat against Rajasthan Royals in the Eliminator.
For IPL 2025, RCB have made a significant change in leadership, appointing Rajat Patidar as their new captain after releasing Faf du Plessis. The team will be hoping that Patidar can guide them to their maiden IPL title.
As RCB prepare for their opening match, here’s a look at their likely Playing XI against KKR:
RCB Playing XI vs KKR – IPL 2025, Match 1:
Openers: Virat Kohli, Phil Salt (wk)
With Faf du Plessis no longer part of the squad, Phil Salt is expected to open alongside Virat Kohli. Salt, who played a crucial role in KKR’s title-winning campaign last season, brings valuable experience and familiarity with the Eden Gardens conditions. In IPL 2024, he scored 435 runs in 12 matches at a strike rate of over 180.
Kohli, the batting stalwart, will once again be the backbone of RCB’s lineup. Coming off a stellar IPL 2024 season where he topped the run charts with 741 runs at a strike rate of over 150, Kohli will be key to RCB’s success.
Middle-order batsmen and all-rounders: Rajat Patidar (c), Devdutt Padikkal, Liam Livingstone, Tim David, Krunal Pandya
RCB’s middle-order looks solid, with Rajat Patidar leading the charge. Patidar was impressive last season, scoring 395 runs at a strike rate of nearly 180, particularly excelling against spinners.
Devdutt Padikkal, who returns to RCB after stints with other franchises, will aim to rediscover his form. He previously scored over 400 runs in both 2020 and 2021 for RCB.
The all-rounders and finishers include Liam Livingstone, Tim David, and Krunal Pandya. Livingstone, with 939 runs and 11 wickets in 39 IPL matches, brings versatility. David, known for his explosive batting, can single-handedly change the game, while Krunal, with 1647 runs and 76 wickets in 127 IPL matches, adds experience and balance.
Bowlers: Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, Yash Dayal, Suyash Sharma
RCB’s bowling attack, often their Achilles’ heel, has been bolstered with experienced players. Bhuvneshwar Kumar will lead the pace attack, supported by Josh Hazlewood and Yash Dayal.
Suyash Sharma is expected to be the primary spinner, with Livingstone and Krunal providing additional spin options. This well-rounded bowling unit will be crucial in containing KKR’s strong batting lineup.
RCB will be aiming to kick off their IPL 2025 campaign with a win, setting the tone for a successful season under their new captain, Rajat Patidar.
