KKR vs RCB Dream11 Prediction, IPL 2025: Kolkata Knight Riders v Royal Challengers Bengaluru Fantasy XI, 1st Match

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KKR vs RCB Dream11 Prediction, IPL 2025: The wait is over as the 18th edition of the IPL 2025 kicks off in grand style with defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders taking on Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Saturday, March 22.

After their triumphant IPL 2024 campaign, KKR are all set to defend their crown with Ajinkya Rahane at the helm, stepping in as captain following the departure of Shreyas Iyer. The team looks stable and balanced with a blend of firepower and consistency, aiming for a strong start.

KKR are set to embark on a new journey under the seasoned leadership of Ajinkya Rahane after parting ways with Shreyas Iyer. The core remains strong with match-winners like Sunil Narine, Andre Russell, and Varun Chakaravarthy ready to make an impact. Meanwhile, RCB will be eager to break their title drought with Rajat Patidar leading the charge. With Virat Kohli continuing to be the backbone of their batting, fans will be hoping for fireworks from the very first ball.

Meanwhile, RCB come into this contest chasing their elusive first IPL title. Rajat Patidar will lead a refreshed squad that boasts both youth and experience. With Virat Kohli continuing to be their talisman and the addition of fresh talent, RCB will be determined to break their jinx and stamp their authority in the season opener. Fans are eagerly awaiting what promises to be an electrifying contest under the Kolkata lights.

Match Information:

• Match: Kolkata Knight Riders v Royal Challengers Bengaluru, 1st Match
• Date: Saturday, March 22, 2025
• Time: 7:30 PM IST
• Venue: Eden Gardens, Kolkata
• Broadcast: Sports18/Star Sports Network
• Live Stream: JioHotstar (app & website)

KKR vs RCB Pitch and Weather Conditions:

Rain is predicted in Kolkata on the morning of March 22. However, the skies are expected to remain cloudy during the match with only 25% chances of rain in the evening. Temperatures will hover around 22°C, creating comfortable conditions for players and fans alike.

The Eden Gardens pitch has been a paradise for batters in recent seasons, though spinners do find assistance later in the innings. Expect a high-scoring encounter with teams possibly preferring to chase, although past records show a balanced outcome between batting and fielding first.

Kolkata Knight Riders v Royal Challengers Bengaluru Preview:

Kolkatta Knight Riders (KKR): KKR’s new leadership under Ajinkya Rahane will be watched closely. The addition of Quinton de Kock as wicketkeeper-batter adds solidity. Venkatesh Iyer and Rinku Singh bring explosive batting talent, while all-rounders like Sunil Narine and Andre Russell remain vital. Mystery spinner Varun Chakaravarthy could be a game-changer with his recent form in the Champions Trophy 2025.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB):: Rajat Patidar has a big task leading RCB, but the squad has plenty of firepower. Virat Kohli remains the big hope, alongside England’s hard-hitter Liam Livingstone. The team also boasts the experienced Bhuvneshwar Kumar in the bowling department, who could exploit early swing at Eden Gardens. Phil Salt and Devdutt Padikkal will be key to setting the foundation at the top.

KKR vs RCB Key Players:

KKR:

• Sunil Narine – Star performer in IPL 2024 with both bat and ball.
• Quinton de Kock – The South African wicketkeeper-batter brings reliability and class.
• Varun Chakaravarthy – Fresh from a brilliant Champions Trophy 2025 showing.

RCB:

• Virat Kohli – Consistent run-machine, recently in good form at the Champions Trophy.
• Rajat Patidar – Captain and key batter who will look to anchor the innings.
• Bhuvneshwar Kumar – Can exploit swing-friendly conditions in the powerplay.

KKR vs RCB Dream11 Prediction, Fantasy Team 1:

Wicketkeepers: Quinton de Kock, Phil Salt

Batters: Virat Kohli, Venkatesh Iyer, Rajat Patidar, Ajinkya Rahane

All-rounders: Sunil Narine, Andre Russell, Liam Livingstone

Bowlers: Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Varun Chakaravarthy

Captain Choices: Ajinkya Rahane, Phil Salt, Sunil Narine

Vice-Captain Choices: Venkatesh Iyer, Andre Russell, Rajat Patidar

KKR vs RCB Dream11 Prediction, Fantasy Team 2:

Wicketkeepers: Quinton de Kock, Phil Salt

Batters: Rinku Singh, Ramandeep Singh, Jacob Bethell, Jitesh Sharma

All-rounders: Sunil Narine, Andre Russell, Liam Livingstone

Bowlers: Lungi Ngidi, Varun Chakaravarthy

Captain Choices: Quinton de Kock, Phil Salt, Varun Chakaravarthy

Vice-Captain Choices: Ramandeep Singh, Rinku Singh, Jacob Bethell

Team News:

KKR: No major injuries reported. Ajinkya Rahane leads a settled unit. Varun Chakaravarthy expected to feature prominently.

RCB: All players fit and available. Bhuvneshwar Kumar to lead the pace attack with Hazlewood. Rajat Patidar ready to start as skipper.

Kolkata Knight Riders v Royal Challengers Bengaluru Probable Playing XI:

Kolkata Knight Riders Predicted Playing XI

Batting 1st: Sunil Narine, Quinton de Kock (wk), Ajinkya Rahane (c), Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Venkatesh Iyer, Rinku Singh, Ramandeep Singh, Andre Russell, Harshit Rana, Vaibhav Arora, Anrich Nortje.

Impact Player options: Varun Chakaravarthy, Anukul Roy, Moeen Ali.

Bowling 1st: Sunil Narine, Quinton de Kock (wk), Ajinkya Rahane (c), Venkatesh Iyer, Ramandeep Singh, Rinku Singh, Andre Russell, Harshit Rana, Vaibhav Arora, Anrich Nortje, Varun Chakaravarthy.

Impact Player options: Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Manish Pandey, Rovman Powell.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru Predicted Playing XI

Batting 1st: Phil Salt, Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar (c), Liam Livingstone, Jacob Bethell, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, Yash Dayal.

Impact Player options: Rasikh Salam, Suyash Sharma, Tim David.

Bowling 1st: Phil Salt, Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar (c), Liam Livingstone, Jacob Bethell, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Lungi Ngidi, Yash Dayal, Rasikh Salam.

Impact Player options: Devdutt Padikkal, Tim David, Romario Shepherd.

Kolkata Knight Riders v Royal Challengers Bengaluru Full Squad:

Kolkata Knight Riders:

Ajinkya Rahane (c), Rinku Singh, Quinton de Kock, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Venkatesh Iyer, Ramandeep Singh, Andre Russell, Anrich Nortje, Harshit Rana, Sunil Narine, Varun Chakaravarthy, Vaibhav Arora, Mayank Markande, Rovman Powell, Manish Pandey, Spencer Johnson, Luvnith Sisodia, Anukul Roy, Moeen Ali.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru:

Rajat Patidar (c), Virat Kohli, Yash Dayal, Josh Hazlewood, Phil Salt, Jitesh Sharma, Liam Livingstone, Rasikh Dar, Suyash Sharma, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Swapnil Singh, Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Nuwan Thushara, Manoj Bhandage, Jacob Bethel, Devdutt Padikkal, Swastik Chhikara, Lungi Ngidi, Abhinandan Singh, Mohit Rathee.