CSK, with nine appearances, have played the most number of opening matches in IPL history
The decision to exclude Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who was bought for a hefty ₹10.75 crore in the mega auction, caught many by surprise, including Ravi Shastri.
Among the biggest deals, Shreyas Iyer became the second-most expensive player in IPL history, with Lucknow Super Giants shelling out a whopping Rs 27 crore for Rishabh Pant.
KKR and RCB have delivered some of the most thrilling clashes in IPL history, including a nail-biting one-run victory just last year.
KKR and RCB will begin their IPL 2025 campaign with new captains, as Rajat Patidar has been named captain of RCB, while Ajinkya Rahane will lead KKR
One of the most memorable moments between these two teams was RCB's dismal performance in 2017, where they were bowled out for a mere 49 runs by KKR.
Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings have been the most successful teams in the tournament with five titles each
IPL 2025 HIGHLIGHTS: Virat Kohli scored a 36-ball 59 as RCB got an opening win at Eden gardens.
In the most recent match played at Eden Gardens, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) defeated Mumbai Indians (MI) by 18 runs in IPL 2024.
The first-ever match of IPL in 2008 was immortalised by Brendon McCullum, who ripped apart the RCB bowling line-up in that match to score the then-highest score by any batter in T20 cricket
Though weather conditions can change rapidly, Business Standard looks at the latest forecast and rain prediction as provided by Accuweather and BBC Weather.
JioHotstar in India will stream the IPL 2025 match between Kolkata Knight Riders and Royal Challengers Bengaluru on their app and website.
Mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy, who has been a key player for the Indian team as well as the Kolkata Knight Riders side, believes that consistency is the key to success and he's working on adding new variations to his craft. From battling fitness challenges to becoming a key figure in India's recent Champions Trophy triumph where he took nine wickets, the architect-turned-cricketer has had a remarkable journey. Chakravarthy formed a deadly spin quartet with Kuldeep Yadav (seven wickets), Ravindra Jadeja (five), and Axar Patel (five) to form a web around the opposition during the Champions Trophy. "The main thing is working on consistency, which is the toughest thing to master and I am putting in constant work in order to achieve that," the 33-year-old stated in a release. "And of course, I am working on a few other deliveries which I'm hoping will come off nicely in the upcoming games." Reigning champions KKR will kick off their IPL campaign against Royal Challengers Bengaluru
The Kolkata Knight Riders vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru match live telecast will be available on Star Sports Network. JioHotstar to live stream KKR vs RCB match on March 22
The opening ceremony of IPL 2025 is set to take place at Kolkata's iconic Eden Gardens Stadium
KKR vs RCB: Kolkata weather forecast for March 22 - There is a 66 per cent chance of rain at 11 AM IST on March 22. The forecast improves as the day progresses
New rules and new captains will be in focus but the razzmatazz will be pretty much the same when the 18th Indian Premier League kicks off here on Saturday with defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders taking on perennial underachievers Royal Challengers Bengaluru amid a looming threat of rain. There is plenty to look forward in the league. Among the most prominent rule changes is the lifting of saliva ban. For the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic, bowlers will be allowed to use it to shine the ball. The BCCI lifted the ban after receiving a majority consensus from IPL captains in a landmark decision taken at the captains' meeting in Mumbai. The International Cricket Council had made the saliva ban permanent in 2022, but the IPL operates under its own regulations and the latest move could set a precedent for the global game. The 18th season will also witness tactical innovations, including a major change to counter dew's impact. The second innings of evening matches will see
As fans gear up for the IPL 2025 opener between KKR and RCB, Business Standard takes a look how KKR are prepared for the new challenges ahead:
This isn't the first time an IPL game in Kolkata has faced rescheduling due to security concerns around the Ram Navami festival.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru's Devdutt Padikkal was in excellent form ahead of the season opener, smashing a blistering 82 off 48 balls in an intra-squad match.