KKR Vs RCB IPL 2025 First Match Review & Predictions

Get the complete KKR vs RCB IPL 2025 First Match review, predictions, and fantasy tips. Stay updated with live action and key player insights only on IPLTimes.

Hello guys, it’s IPL Times the Indians most awaited IPL T20 Cricket is back again. The IPL 2025 season’s first match is between Kolkata Knight Riders and Royal challengers Bangalore. The inaugural match is on 22 March 2025.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 is off to a thrilling start with the KKR vs RCB IPL 2025 First Match at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata. As two of the most popular teams in the league, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) are set to deliver a high-octane clash that promises fireworks.

KKR vs RCB IPL 2025 First Match Review

We are over-excited to write a pre-match review and fantasy tips for our beloved readers. In this article, we’ll provide a detailed review, predictions, and fantasy tips for the KKR vs RCB IPL 2025 First Match, ensuring you’re fully prepared for the action. First of all let’s have the match details:

Match Details

Teams: Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) vs Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)
Date: March 22, 2025
Time: 7:30 PM IST
Venue: Eden Gardens, Kolkata

KKR vs RCB IPL 2025 First Match: Team Overview

Now let’s have a glance of team overview of both teams.

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)

Captain	Ajinkya Rahane
Coach	Chandrakant Pandit
IPL Title Won So Far	3 Times (2012, 2014 and 2024)

It is obvious that Kolkata Knight Riders are having most balanced team. They are the three-time IPL champions trophy holder, and they are also known for their balanced squad and strong spin attack. With a mix of experienced players and young talent, they are a formidable side, especially at their home ground, Eden Gardens. KKR Official site.

Team Squads and Possible Playing XI of KKR:

Batters: Ajinkya Rahane (C), Rinku Singh, Quinton de Kock, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Rovman Powell, Manish Pandey, Luvnith Sisodia
All-Rounders: Five players in all-rounder – Venkatesh Iyer, Anukul Roy, Moeen Ali, Ramandeep Singh, Andre Russell
Bowlers: List of bowling power house – Anrich Nortje, Vaibhav Arora, Mayank Markande, Spencer Johnson, Umran Malik, Harshit Rana, Sunil Narine, Varun Chakravarthy

Possible Playing XI:

Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK)
Venkatesh Iyer
Ajinkya Rahane (C)
Rinku Singh
Andre Russell
Moeen Ali
Sunil Narine
Ramandeep Singh
Anrich Nortje
Varun Chakravarthy
Harshit Rana

Key Players to Watch:

Andre Russell: The explosive all-rounder. He can single-handedly change the game.
Sunil Narine: He is a supper talented with mystery spinner and pinch-hitter who can add depth to the team.
Rinku Singh: He is the finisher of the match who has been in sensational form.
Anrich Nortje: The pace spearhead who can deliver fiery spells.

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)

Captain	Rajat Patidar
Coach	Andy Flower
IPL Title Won So Far	0

RCB, despite their star-studded lineup, are yet to win an IPL title. However, with a strong batting order and a revamped bowling attack, they are determined to start their campaign on a high note. RCB Official site.

Team Squads and Possible Playing XI of RCB

Batters: Rajat Patidar (C), Virat Kohli, Phil Salt, Jitesh Sharma, Devdutt Padikkal, Swastik Chhikara
All-Rounders: RCB’s allrounder look stronger – Liam Livingstone, Krunal Pandya, Swapnil Singh, Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Manoj Bhandage, Jacob Bethell
Bowlers: RCB’s nine powerful bowling – Josh Hazlewood, Rasikh Dar, Suyash Sharma, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Nuwan Thushara, Lungi Ngidi, Abhinandan Singh, Mohit Rathee, Yash Dayal

Possible Playing XI:

Virat Kohli
Phil Salt (WK)
Rajat Patidar (C)
Liam Livingstone
Tim David
Krunal Pandya
Romario Shepherd
Bhuvneshwar Kumar
Josh Hazlewood
Suyash Sharma
Yash Dayal

Key Players to Watch:

Virat Kohli: Virat has well performed in recent ICC champion trophy. He the run-machine who thrives in high-pressure games.
Liam Livingstone: A dynamic all-rounder who can dominate with both bat and ball.
Josh Hazlewood: The pace spearhead who can swing the ball early.
Rajat Patidar: The captain and consistent performer with the bat.

KKR vs RCB IPL 2025 First Match: Pitch Report

The Eden Gardens pitch is known to be batting-friendly, with some assistance for spinners as the game progresses. Here’s what to expect:

Average 1st Innings Score: 165
Pace vs Spin: Pacers have taken 60% of the wickets, while spinners dominate in the middle overs.
Key Insight: Teams batting first have won 60% of the matches here.

KKR vs RCB IPL 2025 First Match: Head-to-Head Record

Total Matches: 32
KKR Wins: 18
RCB Wins: 14

KKR has a slight edge in head-to-head encounters, but RCB will be eager to turn the tables in this KKR vs RCB IPL 2025 First Match.

Also read: KKR vs RCB Dream11 Prediction: Head-to-Head Record, Key Stats

KKR vs RCB IPL 2025 First Match: Key Battles to Watch

Andre Russell vs Josh Hazlewood: Russell’s power-hitting against Hazlewood’s precision will be a thrilling contest.
Virat Kohli vs Sunil Narine: Kohli’s mastery against Narine’s mystery spin will be a highlight.
Rinku Singh vs Yash Dayal: Rinku’s finishing skills against Dayal’s death bowling will be crucial.

Fantasy Tips

Top Picks: Andre Russell, Virat Kohli, Liam Livingstone, and Sunil Narine are must-have in your Dream11 team.
Captain/Vice-Captain Options:
- Captain: Andre Russell, Virat Kohli
- Vice-Captain: Liam Livingstone, Rinku Singh
Pacers Over Spinners: Given the pitch conditions, pacers like Anrich Nortje and Josh Hazlewood could be impactful.
All-Rounders: Players like Andre Russell, Liam Livingstone, and Sunil Narine are gold for fantasy teams.

KKR vs RCB IPL 2025 First Match: Predictions

While both teams are evenly matched, KKR might have a slight edge due to their strong spin attack, home advantage, and experience of winning three IPL titles (2012, 2014, 2024). However, with players like Virat Kohli and Liam Livingstone in their ranks, RCB is more than capable of pulling off a win and starting their quest for their maiden IPL title.