The much-awaited IPL 2025 will start with a thrilling match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. Both the teams have an extremely balanced squad and they’ll be eyeing a win in the first match.

RCB’s Strong Top Order

RCB will have a strong top order with Virat Kohli, Phil Salt and Rajat Patidar in the lineup. Kohli is the biggest asset and has the ability to anchor the innings while picking up the pace aggressively when needed. Phil Salt, the new addition in RCB family will make the best use of powerplay and put pressure on the KKR bowlers. The newly appointed captain of RCB will also play his natural attacking game and stabilize the innings.

Power-Hitters Ready To Dominate In Middle Order

In the middle order, the presence of Jitesh Sharma, Liam Livingstone and Tim David will prove to be the most lethal. Livingstone knows how to play a quickfire knock while Tim David is the power-hitter from Australia who can be RCB’s dream finisher. Jitesh Sharma on the other hand brings a lot of stability and aggression in the batting lineup.

RCB’s Bowling Attack : A Mix Of Experience And Youth

RCB’s bowling attack is a mix of experience and youth. Bhuvneshwar Kumar is the veteran swing bowler who’ll definitely lead the pace attack. Alongside him will be Josh Hazlewood, the tall Australian pacer which will provide the perfect bounce and accuracy. Yash Dayal, the left-arm pacer adds variety to the attack with his tight bowling lines especially in middle overs. Meanwhile, Rasikh Salam, a young and promising fast bowler is likely to do wonders for RCB with his raw pace and deceptive variations. Completing the pack will be Suyvash Sharma, the mystery spinner who will be a big trouble for KKR batters on the surface of Eden Gardens.

RCB Predicted Playing XI

Rajat Patidar (Captain), Phil Salt, Virat Kohli, Jitesh Sharma, Liam Livngstone, Tim David, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, Yash Dayal, Rasikh Salam Dar, Suvyash Sharma