KKR vs RCB IPL 2025: Head-to-Head, Pitch Report, Playing 11 & Match Preview
The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 is all set to begin with an exciting clash between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). The match will take place at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata on March 22, 2025. Both teams have made some important changes to their squads, and fans are eager to see how they perform in this season’s opening match.
KKR vs RCB: Head-to-Head Record
- Total Matches: 35
- KKR Wins: 21
- RCB Wins: 14
- Last 5 Matches: KKR won 3, RCB won 2
KKR has historically dominated RCB, especially at Eden Gardens. However, with a fresh squad and new strategies, RCB will look to change this record.
Team Previews & Predicted Playing 11
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)
KKR will be led by Ajinkya Rahane, bringing a mix of experience and young talent. With power hitters like Andre Russell and reliable bowlers like Sunil Narine, they look like a strong unit.
Predicted Playing XI:
- Quinton de Kock (wk)
- Sunil Narine
- Ajinkya Rahane (c)
- Venkatesh Iyer
- Rinku Singh
- Andre Russell
- Ramandeep Singh
- Harshit Rana
- Vaibhav Arora
- Spencer Johnson
- Varun Chakaravarthy
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)
RCB will start this season under the leadership of Rajat Patidar, replacing Faf du Plessis. With Virat Kohli still a key player and new signings like Phil Salt, the team looks balanced.
Predicted Playing XI:
- Phil Salt
- Virat Kohli
- Rajat Patidar (c)
- Liam Livingstone
- Krunal Pandya
- Jitesh Sharma (wk)
- Tim David
- Rasikh Dar / Manoj Bhandage
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar
- Josh Hazlewood
- Yash Dayal
Eden Gardens Pitch Report & Match Conditions
✅ Pitch Type: Batting-friendly, good bounce for stroke-making
✅ Spinners & Pacers: Spinners get help in middle overs, pacers effective with the new ball
✅ Dew Factor: Might play a role in the second innings
✅ Best Strategy: Pick a balanced team with top-order batters and spinners
Eden Gardens is known for high-scoring matches, but spinners also get some help. Teams winning the toss might prefer to chase since dew could play a role in the second innings.
Key Players to Watch
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)
- Ajinkya Rahane – Experienced captain, strong anchor in batting
- Andre Russell – Explosive all-rounder who can change the game
- Sunil Narine – Mystery spinner, crucial in middle overs
KKR vs RCB Dream11 Fantasy Team Prediction
🏏 Dream11 Team (Small League & Grand League)
Wicket-Keepers:
🔹 Quinton de Kock (KKR) – Explosive opener, can score big
🔹 Phil Salt (RCB) – Aggressive batter, good pick for points
Batters:
🔹 Virat Kohli (RCB) – Consistent performer, must-have player
🔹 Ajinkya Rahane (KKR) – Captain, reliable in top order
🔹 Rajat Patidar (RCB) – Newly appointed RCB captain, form player
All-Rounders:
🔹 Andre Russell (KKR) (C) – Power-hitter & wicket-taker, best captain choice
🔹 Sunil Narine (KKR) (VC) – Effective with bat & ball, good vice-captain option
🔹 Liam Livingstone (RCB) – Hard-hitting finisher, useful bowler
Bowlers:
🔹 Josh Hazlewood (RCB) – Quality pacer, early breakthroughs
🔹 Varun Chakaravarthy (KKR) – Mystery spinner, good at Eden Gardens
🔹 Bhuvneshwar Kumar (RCB) – Swing bowler, can pick early wickets
🏆 Best Captain & Vice-Captain Choices
🔹 Captain Choices:
- Andre Russell (KKR) – Best all-rounder pick
- Virat Kohli (RCB) – Most consistent batter
🔹 Vice-Captain Choices:
- Sunil Narine (KKR) – Spin + power-hitting
- Phil Salt (RCB) – High-risk, high-reward player
Dream11 Team Combinations & Tips
✅ Small League Tip: Pick consistent players like Virat Kohli, Russell, and Narine
✅ Grand League Tip: Take risks with power-hitters like Phil Salt or Livingstone
✅ Avoid Too Many Pacers: Spinners do well at Eden Gardens
✅ Dew Factor: If batting second, prefer top-order batters for fantasy points
🏏 Final Prediction – Who Will Win?
- KKR has a strong home record, but RCB’s batting firepower makes this a tough contest.
- Expect a high-scoring match, with the team chasing having an advantage!
Who are you picking in your Dream11 team? Let us know in the comments! 🏆🔥
