KKR Playing 11 vs RCB- IPL 2025, Match 1

Defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) will be looking to start their title defense on a winning note when they lock horns against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the first game of IPL 2025. The tournament opener is scheduled to be played on Saturday (March 22) at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata.

While Kolkata Knight Riders have retained the core of their title-winning squad, they have lost the services of their captain. Shreyas Iyer decided against getting retained by Kolkata Knight Riders and took part in the mega auction where he was bought by Punjab Kings.

With Iyer gone, Kolkata Knight Riders have re-signed their former player Ajinkya Rahane and has named him as their captain. Rahane is not new to leading a side and will be hoping to justify the decision of the franchise by leading the team to its fourth title.

KKR Playing 11 vs RCB- IPL 2025, Match 1:

Openers: Quinton de Kock (wk), Sunil Narine

Kolkata Knight Riders will have a new opening combination for IPL 2025 after the departure of Phil Salt. The England star is likely to be replaced by Quinton de Kock in the KKR Playing 11. The former South Africa batsman is likely to partner Sunil Narine at the top of the order.

De Kock and Narine can form a formidable partnership at the top and they will be keen to start their journey with a big stand. The onus will be on them to give KKR a solid start in their first game of the season.

De Kock plied his trade for Lucknow Super Giants last season, scoring 250 runs with the help of three fifties. On the other hand, Narine enjoyed a sensational season with the bat as he finished the campaign as Kolkata Knight Riders' highest run-scorer. He scored 488 runs in 14 games and will look to replicate his performance again.

Narine was equally lethal with the ball as well, taking 17 wickets to play a huge role in Kolkata Knight Riders' triumphant campaign. He was also adjudged the Player of the Tournament for his all-round display.

Middle-order batsmen and allrounders: Ajinkya Rahane (c), Venkatesh Iyer, Rinku Singh, Andre Russell, Ramandeep Singh

Kolkata's middle-order is set to have a similar look. Barring their title-winning captain Shreyas Iyer, Kolkata Knight Riders have managed to retain most of their first-choice middle-order batsmen and all-rounders. With Iyer out, veteran batsman Ajinkya Rahane has been appointed as the KKR captain.

Rahane will be keen to lead the team from the front. One of the most experienced batsmen in the IPL, Rahane played for Chennai Super Kings last season and scored 242 runs.

All eyes will be on Venkatesh Iyer after Kolkata Knight Riders broke the bank for him at the mega auction, retaining his services for INR 23.75 crore. The Southpaw has done well for KKR so far and will look to make an impact once again. Last season, he scored 370 runs with the help of four fifties.

The other middle-order batsman in the KKR Playing 11 is set to be Rinku Singh. The southpaw's reputation has taken a hit in recent times and he will be looking to revive himself this season.

Andre Russell and Ramandeep Singh are set to be the two all-rounders in the KKR Playing 11. Both the players were retained by Kolkata Knight Riders and will be looking to justify the decision. Last season, Russell picked up 19 wickets and scored 222 runs. On the other hand, Ramandeep scored 125 runs at a strike rate of over 200.

Bowlers: Harshit Rana, Anrich Nortje, Vaibhav Arora, Varun Chakravarthy

Kolkata Knight Riders are likely to have three fast bowlers and one frontline spinner in their lineup. Harshit Rana, Vaibhav Arora, and Anrich Nortje are set to be the three pacers in the KKR Playing 11 while Varun Chakravarthy will be leading the spin attack. The other bowling options in the team are Narine and Russell.