Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) under the captaincy of newly appointed skipper Rajat Patidar, will take on the holders Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Both teams will face off against each other in the tournament opener of the highly anticipated IPL 2025. The game will be played at the Eden Gardens on Saturday, March 22, at 7:30 PM (IST).
RCB will also be having the new recruits in their squad for the 18th edition of the tournament in their quest to win the title for the first time in the 17-year-long history of the tournament.
Given that, here we’ll have a look at the predicted playing XI of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) for their first clash against the reigning champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata.
Openers
The opening pair of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) is highly expected to be of the former RCB skipper Virat Kohli and star batter Phil Salt. Kohli was in sensational batting form and played a vital role in India’s historic title triumph in the recently concluded ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
He will be accompanied by the star England batter Phil Salt, who was in amazing batting form last year in IPL 2024 while playing for the eventual champions KKR. Salt’s power-hitting and Kohli’s steady approach might produce a stable start for RCB in their campaign opener against KKR.
Middle-Order
The middle-order of RCB will start with the newly appointed skipper Rajat Patidar to bat at number three. He has been in brilliant batting form while playing for RCB in the last couple of IPL seasons. Patidar will be followed by the wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma.
Following Patidar and Sharma, blistering Aussie batter Tim David will be there to bat at number five or six. So, the batting lineup of Bengaluru looks quite intact and strong in their campaign opener against Ajinkya Rahen’s men.
All-Rounders
Krunal Pandya and Liam Livingstone will be there in the capacity of specialist all-rounders for RCB in their first game against the defending champions KKR. Krunal Pandya can play a vital role, both with the bat and the ball, be it batting up in the order or bowling some important overs in the middle overs.
On the other hand, Liam Livingstone can leave an impact, with the bat in the lower middle order or with the ball, in middle overs owing to his spin skills. So, it will be a perfect all-rounder duo for RCB in their playing XI against KKR.
Bowlers
The bowling attack of RCB against KKR is expected to include three out-and-out pacers, including the likes of the veteran India pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar, former GT pacer Yash Dayal, and the veteran Australia pacer Josh Hazlewood. Bhuvi and Hazlewood’s experience with the swing and pace might trouble the opponent batters in the initial phase of the innings.
This impressive pace trio is expected to be accompanied by the specialist spinner Suyash Sharma, who can produce some impactful overs with the spin after the end of the powerplay phase, be it in the first innings or while defending the target.
Disclaimer: This Exclusive News is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.
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