IPL 2025: Why are Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Jacob Bethell not playing in KKR vs RCB Match1?

On Saturday, March 22, KKR and RCB will once again start off the coveted 18th season at the legendary Eden Gardens in Kolkata, seventeen years after they played the first IPL match. Virat Kohli, Rinku Singh, and Bollywood icon Shah Rukh Khan all danced and gave a fantastic speech during the opening ceremony, which created an amazing mood. The event was further enhanced by the strong performances of Karan Aujla, Disha Patani, and Shreya Ghoshal.

Ajinkya Rahane will lead KKR, the reigning champions, in the first match. The team has supported its main players and intends to play similarly to how they did in the last tournament. However, RCB is entering as a redesigned team and is still vying for their first championship. They aim to make history with the addition of Phil Salt, Josh Hazlewood, and Bhuvneshwar Kumar to the team.

Toss Update

Royal Challengers Bengaluru won the toss and decided to bowl first. The side went ahead with 3 fast bowlers and 2 spinners. On the other hand, the Kolkata-based franchise also fielded a similar combination. KKR skipper, Ajinkya Rahane mentioned that he would have also preferred to bowl first.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Jacob Bethell miss out

Veteran Indian pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar was a surprising exclusion. Kumar who was acquired for INR 10.75 crore was expected to lead the pace attack, however, the side chose the young promising Rasikh Dar Salam. Another surprising exclusion was Jacob Bethell who didn’t make it to the cut.

What did the captains say at the toss?

Rajat Patidar (Royal Challengers Bengaluru): 

We have decided to bowl first, the pitch looks hard. Amazing to lead RCB and great opportunity to learn from the great players. We have done proper preparations for the last 10-15 days. I am confused with this impact player. We are going with 3 fast bowlers and 2 spinners.

Ajinkya Rahane (Kolkata Knight Riders): 

It’s an honour to lead this team. Our preparation has been good, the core group has been the same. Looking forward to bat well first and defend later on. It is all about giving the players the freedom and allow them to play as a unit. We are playing 3 fast bowlers and 2 spinners.

KKR vs RCB Playing XIs: 

Kolkata Knight Riders: Quinton de Kock(w), Venkatesh Iyer, Ajinkya Rahane(c), Rinku Singh, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Sunil Narine, Andre Russell, Ramandeep Singh, Spencer Johnson, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakaravarthy