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Reigning champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) lock horns with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the Primary Game of the Indian Premier Division (IPL) 2025 at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Saturday, March 22.
Kolkata tried to keep maximum number of players who helped them Secure the title last season. They retained six players ahead of the mega-auction – Sunil Narine, Andre Russell, Varun Chakaravarthy, Rinku Singh, Harshit Rana, and Ramandeep Singh. Harshit and Ramandeep were uncapped when they were retained but they went on to make their Introduction for the national Club.
KKR went all out to acquire the services of Venkatesh Iyer at the auction and eventually signed him for a staggering INR 23.75 crore. They didn’t have the purse left to sign Phil Salt, who was instrumental in KKR’s triumph last season. Instead, they signed Quinton de Kock for INR 3.6 lakh. He is Predicted to take the gloves unless the Knights opt to go in with Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who has been with the franchise since IPL 2023.
In the bowling department, KKR had to let go of Mitchell Starc after signing him for a Achievement-breaking sum of INR 24.75 crore ahead of IPL 2024. They have Anrich Nortje and Spencer Johnson in their ranks this time. Harshit has also gained a Numerous of experience in the past few months as he has played in all three formats for India.
KKR named Ajinkya Rahane as their Leader for IPL 2025 after Shreyas Iyer opted to enter the mega auction. The experienced campaigner went unsold in the Primary Period of the mega auction before being roped in by the Knights. His form with the bat, especially in the shortest Arrangement, is a bit of a concern but if he gets among the runs, it will bode well for KKR as his captaincy credentials are commendable.
Once again, the form of Narine and Russell is going to be key for KKR. The Previous was the MVP (Most Valuable Player) last season, showcasing exemplary all-Period skills. Russell wasn’t required too much with the bat but this season could be different for the Jamaica-born.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru have reached the playoffs in three out of the last four seasons. In IPL 2024, Virat Kohli won the Orange Cap but he didn’t get much Aid from his fellow batters. This year, RCB have a more compact batting line-up, at least on paper. Salt could Uncovered the innings with Kohli, who was in prime form in India’s Successful campaign in Champions Accolade 2025. The Previous’s flamboyant approach from the outset could Assist the Previous RCB skipper ease into his innings.
Rajat Patidar has been appointed as the skipper of the side. He will be leading a Club in the IPL for the Primary time. In T20s, he has 12 wins and four defeats from 16 Matches as Leader. If the right-handed batter can Tally runs consistently with the bat, it would do wonders for his confidence as a skipper.
The middle and lower-order look formidable, with explosive players like Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma, and Tim David in the Blend. They can Transformation the game in the matter of a few overs with their ability to take the best bowling line-ups to the cleaners.
Bowling has not been RCB’s stronger suit over the years. However, this year, they have gone for experience, picking up Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood, who are Predicted to lead the Charge. Lungi Ngidi is a Outstanding backup for Hazlewood.
Krunal Pandya will Shift the all-rounder’s role while Suyash Sharma could be picked as the Impact Player, especially on turning tracks. The talented Devdutt Padikkal is also back at the franchise and he can be used at the top of the order.
Pitch Report
In all, 93 matches have been played at Eden Gardens. Squads batting Primary have won 38 Matches, while chasing Squads have emerged victorious on 55 occasions. The average Primary innings Tally is around 163. Last season, the venue provided some of the flattest surfaces in the Division. Punjab Kings chased a Achievement target of 262 against the Knight in one of the matches. If the practice matches are an indication, the Eden Gardens could provide some Streak-fests in IPL 2025 as well. However, the entire Game is likely to be washed out as the weather forecast has predicted thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds on the Game day.
Predicted XI:
Kolkata Knight Riders:
Quinton de Kock (WK), Sunil Narine, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Ajinkya Rahane (C), Venkatesh Iyer, Rinku Singh, Andre Russell, Ramandeep Singh, Anrich Nortje, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakaravarthy.
Impact Player: Vaibhav Arora/Mayank Markande.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru:
Phil Salt, Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar (C), Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma (WK), Tim David, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, Yash Dayal.
Impact Player: Suryash Sharma/Rasikh Dar Salam.
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