KKR vs RCB Match Prediction: Who will win today’s IPL 2025 match between Kolkata vs Bengaluru?

KKR vs RCB Match Prediction: The IPL 2025 season begins with a blockbuster KKR vs RCB match like it happened 17 years ago when Brendon McCullum smashed a record 158 that time. This time, Royal Challengers Bengaluru travel to Kolkata for the opener with two new captains facing off at the Eden Gardens, reigniting the rivalry.

The traditional underachievers RCB will aim to turn things around in Kolkata having lost both matches at the venue last season. KKR are on a 4-match winning streak against RCB and they will look to make it five in a row as IPL 2025 begins.

Match Details

• Teams: Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)
• Date: March 22, 2025
• Venue: Eden Gardens, Kolkata
• Time: 7:30 PM IST
• Broadcast: Star Sports Network/ JioHotstar

Eden Gardens pitch report

The Eden Gardens pitch is renowned for its batting-friendly nature, providing batsmen with the bounce and pace they crave. Traditionally, it’s a ground where big scores are common, and with the possibility of overcast conditions, pacers might gain some early movement.

As the match progresses, spinners could find assistance with slight grips, making their role crucial. The expectation is of a thrilling, high-scoring affair where strategic bowling will be essential.

KKR vs RCB Head-to-Head

Even though KKR vs RCB is dubbed as a rivalry, the results point to a different picture. Kolkata have dominated Bengaluru in the IPL. In 35 matches overall, KKR have won 21 with RCB winning only 14 games.

In the last five matches, RCB have won only once with their last win coming in 2022. Since then, KKR have maintained a four-match winning streak.

Category	KKR	RCB
Total Matches Played	35	35
Matches Won	21	14
Matches with No Result	0	0
Matches Played at Eden Gardens	12	12
Wins at Eden Gardens	8	4
Last Five Matches Won	4	1

KKR vs RCB Predicted Playing XI

KKR Playing 11

Coming off a championship-winning season in 2024, KKR seem balanced and confident under Ajinkya Rahane’s captaincy. The captaincy change won’t impact the side as Rahane is well-respected. Key players like Andre Russell and Sunil Narine will bring the necessary firepower, while new additions like Quinton de Kock bolster their top order. Their bowling, with the likes of Sunil Narine, Varun Chakravarthy and Spencer Johnson, remains a formidable challenge to face.

1. Sunil Narine
2. Quinton de Kock (WK)
3. Ajinkya Rahane (C)
4. Venkatesh Iyer
5. Angkrish Raghuvanshi
6. Rinku Singh
7. Andre Russell
8. Ramandeep Singh
9. Spencer Johnson
10. Vaibhav Arora
11. Harshit Rana
12. Impact Sub: Varun Chakaravarthy

RCB Playing 11

With a powerful lineup featuring cricket stalwarts, RCB appears well-poised for the 2025 season. Under Rajat Patidar’s leadership and the presence of Virat Kohli’s batting expertise, RCB aim to reverse their fortunes against KKR. However, a lot will depend on how they bat. The bowling department has Josh Hazlewood, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, and Yash Dayal. But they lack a frontline spinner. Suyash Sharma will lead the spin attack instead.

1. Phil Salt
2. Virat Kohli
3. Devdutt Padikkal
4. Rajat Patidar (c)
5. Liam Livingstone
6. Jitesh Sharma (WK)
7. Tim David
8. Krunal Pandya
9. Bhuvneshwar Kumar
10. Josh Hazlewood
11. Yash Dayal
12. Impact Sub: Suyash Sharma

Potential Game Changers

Sunil Narine: A dual threat with his explosive batting and enigmatic spin.

Andre Russell: When Russell smashes, there is no bigger destroyer than him in T20 cricket. RCB will be wary of him.

Virat Kohli: No matter what the stats say, Kohli remains a threat in every match. If he gets a good start, he can win RCB the match.

KKR vs RCB Predicted Winner

In a game laden with heavyweight players and fervent fanfare, KKR’s historical strength at Eden Gardens gives them a slight upper hand. However, RCB’s formidable batting lineup means they are never out of contention. While KKR stands as the favourites, the match promises to be a gripping contest that could very well go down to the final ball. Expect intense performances as both teams vie for supremacy, making it a must-watch thriller in IPL 2025.