KKR vs RCB: High-scoring IPL opener expected at Eden Gardens despite rain threat

The 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) season is set to begin with a high-voltage clash between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at Eden Gardens. The opening fixture promises a thrilling contest, with both teams boasting formidable line-ups. However, the excitement surrounding the match is accompanied by an Orange Alert in Kolkata, indicating a potential disruption due to rain, strong winds, and even thunderstorms. Despite the weather concerns, the passion for cricket in Kolkata remains unwavering, as thousands of fans are expected to fill Eden Gardens, marking the return of the IPL opening ceremony to the iconic venue for the first time since 2015.

How Could Rain Impact the IPL 2025 Opener?

The unpredictability of cricket under open skies makes weather an unavoidable factor, and a heavy downpour could impact the game’s progress. Even if the rain stops in time, a damp outfield or a persistent wet patch could pose challenges for both teams. To counter potential delays, Eden Gardens’ groundsmen are already strategizing how to protect the pitch and outfield from excessive moisture. Large covers have been prepared, ensuring that any unexpected showers do not completely derail the much-anticipated season opener.

Why Is KKR vs RCB a Rivalry to Watch?

The fixture between KKR and RCB has historically been a marquee contest in the IPL. Eden Gardens has been the stage for some of the most memorable moments in the league’s history, including RCB’s infamous collapse for just 49 runs—the lowest total in IPL history. Over the years, the rivalry has been fueled by individual battles, with players like Sunil Narine, Andre Russell, and Virat Kohli delivering electrifying performances.

This time, the stakes are even higher as both teams aim to start a new three-year IPL cycle with a statement victory. While KKR has a strong spin attack, RCB boasts a more experienced pace battery. However, Eden Gardens is no longer the fortress it once was for KKR, with their win rate at home dropping to just 50% since 2023—identical to RCB’s home record at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. This balance of strengths and vulnerabilities sets up a compelling encounter where strategic execution will be crucial.

RCB head coach Andy Flower acknowledged the intensity of the contest, stating that playing KKR at Eden Gardens was a daunting task—not just for his team, but for KKR as well. His remark reflects the unpredictable nature of opening-night clashes, where pre-match expectations often fall apart once the game begins.

What Playing Conditions Can Teams Expect at Eden Gardens?

The match-day forecast suggests a significant drop in temperature by 4–5 degrees Celsius in the evening, increasing the likelihood of heavy dew. This could impact bowling conditions in the second innings, with the new playing regulations around ball changes being tested right from the start of the tournament.

The pitch at Eden Gardens has gained a reputation for being a high-scoring surface. Since the IPL returned to a home-and-away format in 2023, the stadium has recorded the highest scoring rate in the league, with an average run rate of 9.98 per over—making it the most batting-friendly venue for any ground with at least three matches played.

How Have KKR and RCB Fared Against Each Other Recently?

Since the UAE leg of the 2021 IPL, KKR has dominated this rivalry, winning six of their last seven encounters against RCB. However, the head-to-head record at Eden Gardens is more balanced, with each team winning two of their last four meetings at the venue.

How Is KKR Shaping Up for the Opener?

Injury Updates and Team Composition

Fast bowler Anrich Nortje, who missed the SA20 and Champions Trophy due to a back injury, is set to return. However, with both teams missing their training sessions due to rain on the eve of the match, questions remain about his match fitness. Spencer Johnson, with his left-arm variation, might be preferred over Nortje, considering the latter’s modest IPL record outside of the UAE.

Tactical Considerations

KKR relied on Mitchell Starc last season to handle new-ball duties, allowing them to hold back Varun Chakaravarthy’s overs for later in the innings. With Starc absent this time and limited experience in the early overs, KKR might have to deploy their spinners upfront to compensate for their lack of early-impact seam options.

KKR Probable Playing XI

• Sunil Narine

• Quinton de Kock (wk)

• Ajinkya Rahane (c)

• Venkatesh Iyer

• Angkrish Raghuvanshi

• Rinku Singh

• Andre Russell

• Ramandeep Singh

• Spencer Johnson

• Vaibhav Arora

• Harshit Rana

• Varun Chakaravarthy

How Is RCB Preparing for the Challenge?

Injury Updates and Player Availability

Jacob Bethell and Josh Hazlewood recently underwent fitness tests, with Hazlewood bowling a short spell in training. While not at full intensity, he appeared to be in decent rhythm. RCB head coach Andy Flower expressed confidence in his bowling attack, hinting that Hazlewood could play a key role.

Tactical Considerations

KKR’s batting order features several players who can be tied down by quality spin. Rajat Patidar is one of the few exceptions, with his strike rate against spin increasing by nearly 40 points to 197. Jitesh Sharma is another player who comfortably handles both pace and spin, striking at around 145 against each.

Virat Kohli, despite having an improved season against spin last year, remains cautious against Narine and Chakaravarthy. He has fallen to Narine four times while striking at just 103 against him. Against Chakaravarthy, his strike rate drops further to 102.5, though he has been dismissed only once.

RCB Probable Playing XI

• Phil Salt

• Virat Kohli

• Devdutt Padikkal

• Rajat Patidar (c)

• Liam Livingstone

• Jitesh Sharma (wk)

• Tim David

• Krunal Pandya

• Bhuvneshwar Kumar

• Josh Hazlewood

• Yash Dayal

• Suyash Sharma/Rasikh Dar Salam

What Historical Trends Make This Opener Special?

This will be the second time in IPL history that KKR and RCB face off in a season opener, the first being during the league’s inaugural match in 2008. Eden Gardens has also seen a surge in high-scoring encounters in recent years, with 12 totals exceeding 200 runs recorded in the last two seasons—compared to just 10 such scores in all previous editions combined.

Adding to the intrigue, Ajinkya Rahane, KKR’s captain, enters the tournament in exceptional form, having been the leading run-scorer and Player of the Tournament in the recently concluded Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 2024–25, where he played a pivotal role in Mumbai’s title-winning campaign.

Will Rain Disrupt a Thrilling Opener?

The looming threat of rain remains the biggest wildcard. While Eden Gardens has seen many legendary IPL moments, the unpredictability of weather could yet have the final say. If conditions hold up long enough, the stage is set for a dramatic start to the 2025 season—one that fans and players alike will remember for years to come.