Image: The IPL 2025 opener will feature KKR vs RCB on March 22 at Eden Gardens / © MyKhel
For the IPL 2025 season, reports suggest that Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) will face Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the tournament opener on March 22 at Eden Gardens. The final is also set to take place at the same venue on May 25. Unlike previous years, the defending champions will not host the first game.
The second match, on March 23, will see Sunrisers Hyderabad playing against Rajasthan Royals in Hyderabad. The tournament will feature matches at regular home venues, with Guwahati and Dharamsala serving as secondary home grounds for Rajasthan Royals and Punjab Kings, respectively.
KKR and RCB share a fierce rivalry, with KKR dominating both encounters last season. Gautam Gambhir, a former KKR captain, has publicly expressed his strong competitive spirit against RCB, citing their high-profile stature despite never winning the IPL.
In team updates, RCB has appointed Rajat Patidar as captain, while KKR has yet to announce theirs, with Venkatesh Iyer among the potential candidates. The full schedule from the BCCI is still awaited, but key dates have been shared with franchises. The IPL 2025 season promises intense competition and high-stakes clashes between top teams.