At Kolkata’s famous Eden Gardens, the Kolkata Knight Riders and Royal Challengers Bengaluru square off in an exciting match to begin the much awaited IPL 2025 season. The game is set to start at 7:30 p.m. (IST).
In their long-standing rivalry, KKR and RCB are playing one other in an IPL season opening for the second time. These two teams haven’t faced off in the tournament’s opening match since 2008, when KKR crushed RCB by a commanding 140-run margin. The IPL’s history was established by Brendon McCullum’s incredible 158* in the match, which is now remembered as classic.
KKR and RCB have played each other 35 times in the IPL overall. Kolkata enjoys the advantage, having won 21 games, compared to Bengaluru’s 14 victories. KKR benefits from the home field advantage because this game is being played at Eden Gardens. It’s going to be another high-scoring thriller because of the stadium’s batting-friendly pitch and narrow boundaries.
However, RCB, who are renowned for their potent batting lineup, are keen to reverse the trend and get off to a strong start to the season. In the opening match of the season, they possess the firepower to take on KKR and pull off a surprise.
IPL Stats and Records at Eden Gardens, Kolkata
One of India’s oldest stadiums, Eden Gardens, has hosted numerous matches. Known for high-scoring encounters, especially in T20s, it features small boundaries and a batting-friendly wicket. Batters relish playing here, making it a paradise for stroke-makers.
| Matches Played | 93 |
| Matches Won Batting First | 38 |
| Matches Won Batting Second | 55 |
| Matches With No Result | 00 |
| Matches Tied | 00 |
| Average First Innings Score | 169 |
| Highest Team Total | 262 |
| Highest Total Successfully Chased | 261 |
Top player battles to watch out for in Kolkata Knight Riders vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru:
Virat Kohli vs Sunil Narine
The IPL’s highest run-scorer, Virat Kohli—a strong contender for the IPL 2025 Orange Cap—is set to face the tournament’s most successful bowler, Sunil Narine. The mystery spinner has troubled Kohli, dismissing him four times in T20s, though Kohli holds a solid 31.8 average against him. Their middle-overs battle will be crucial, as both players aim to provide a much-needed boost to their teams.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar vs Andre Russell
Jamaican powerhouse Andre Russell faces swing king Bhuvneshwar Kumar in the IPL opener. Russell boasts an impressive record, scoring 97 runs off 37 balls against Kumar, who has dismissed him only once. Their battle in the death overs will be crucial, as both teams aim to gain momentum in the final phase and boost their chances for the IPL 2025 Purple Cap.
Josh Hazlewood vs Quinton de Kock
South African left-hander Quinton de Kock will face the experienced Australian pacer, Josh Hazlewood, known for swinging the ball both ways in the powerplay. In three T20 meetings, Hazlewood has dismissed de Kock twice, restricting him to just 12 runs as many balls the South African has faced. On a batting-friendly pitch, expect an aggressive battle between these top-quality players.
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