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Indian Premier League’s 18th edition kicks off on March 22, 2025, featuring a clash between the defending champions KKR ( Kolkata Knight Riders) and RCB (Royal Challengers Bengaluru)
Indian Premier League’s 18th edition kicks off on March 22, 2025, featuring a clash between the defending champions KKR ( Kolkata Knight Riders) and RCB (Royal Challengers Bengaluru) at Eden Gardens, Kolkata.
KKR, who will be Led by Ajinkya Rahane has retained its core squad from the previous season. On the other hand,Rajat Patidar takes the captaincy of RCB.
Eden Gardens traditionally has a batting-friendly pitch with consistent bounce. Teams chasing have historically found success here, partly due to potential dew affecting bowlers in the second innings. However, weather forecasts have predicted thunderstorms and gusty winds on match day, which could disrupt play.
Despite his recent struggles, Quinton de Kock remains a potential game-changer, especially on batting-friendly pitches like Kolkata. His record at this venue is unimpressive, averaging just 10.83 with a 112.06 strike rate in six T20 innings.
He needs to be cautious against Josh Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who have dismissed him three and two times, respectively. Recent Scores: 16, 0, 5, 43, 4. He is a differential pick and could shine, particularly if KKR bats first.
A reliable performer with extensive experience playing in Kolkata. Has scored 386 runs at an average of 27.57 and a 141.39 strike rate in 17 IPL innings at this venue, including a half-century.
Has a solid record against RCB bowlers, never being dismissed by Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, Rasikh Salam, or Krunal Pandya. He has fallen to Yash Dayal once but has a strike rate of 243.75 against him. Recent Scores: 17, 38, 27, 22, 16**.
A natural wicket-taker, especially effective in death overs. IPL 2024 Stats: vs Right-Handed Batters: 14 wickets, 20.78 average, 9.14 economy rate & vs Left-Handed Batters: 5 wickets, 18.40 average, 8.90 economy rate.
With RCB’s lineup featuring multiple right-handers, he has a good chance to pick wickets. His Kolkata Record: 15 wickets, 24.66 average, 15.20 strike rate in 11 T20 innings & recent Figures: 3/33, 2/24, 1/27, 2/34, 3/24.
In excellent form but could be a risky pick in GL teams as spinners have been less effective in Kolkata lately. Kolkata Record: 24 wickets, 22.20 average, 15.16 strike rate in 16 innings, including a four-wicket haul. IPL 2024 Stats: vs Right-Handed Batters: 15 wickets, 20.86 average, 8.20 economy rate & vs Left-Handed Batters: 6 wickets, 14.83 average, 7.62 economy rate.
With RCB’s lineup mostly comprising right-handers, his impact might be limited. Recent Figures: 2/25, 2/28, 5/24, 2/38, 3/23.
Has an edge over most RCB players due to his experience with KKR last season. His Kolkata Record: 350 runs, 50 average, 182.29 strike rate in 8 innings, including four fifties.
Handles most KKR bowlers well but needs to be wary of Varun Chakravarthy, against whom he has a strike rate of 266.66 in six balls. Recent Scores: 55, 23, 5, 4, 0.
Crucial for RCB against KKR’s spin attack. Has never been dismissed by Sunil Narine and scores at 188.88 strike rate against him. However, he has fallen to Varun Chakravarthy once in 12 balls and struggles against Andre Russell, who has dismissed him twice in four deliveries.
His Kolkata Record: 164 runs, 164 average, 212.98 strike rate in 2 innings, including a fifty and a century. Recent Scores: 81, 66, 28, 36, 4**.
Can be lethal with the new ball in Kolkata, where there is often movement. Kolkata Record: 15 wickets, 26.26 average, 19.33 strike rate in 13 innings.
IPL 2024 Stats: vs Right-Handed Batters: 7 wickets, 46.71 average, 9.43 economy rate.
& vs Left-Handed Batters: 4 wickets, 51.50 average, 9.22 economy rate. Recent Figures: 0/34, 2/30, 3/6, 0/26, 1/1.
Sunil Narine is the most popular captaincy option for obvious reasons. He consistently contributes with both bat and ball. Sunil Narine has 559 runs at an average of 16.93 and a strike rate of 164.89 in 35 innings in Kolkata. He also has 70 wickets at an average of 19.95 and a strike rate of 18.91 in 58 innings at this venue.
Sunil Narine must be cautious against Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who has dismissed him twice in 33 balls. Yash Dayal and Krunal Pandya have removed him once each. Sunil Narine vs RHBs in IPL 2024: 12 wickets, 25.66 average, and 7.10 economy rate. Sunil Narine vs LHBs in IPL 2024: five wickets, 12 average, and 5.14 economy rate. Sunil Narine’s last five scores: 22*, 12*, 2, 1*, and 13. Sunil Narine’s previous five figures: 1/34, 0/22, 2/20, 0/31, and 0/14.
Andre Russell, the veteran has vast experience playing in the venue. His improved bowling has made him a better option for captaincy. Andre Russell has 957 runs at an average of 34.17 and an 189.13 strike rate in 37 innings in Kolkata. He also has 40 wickets at an average of 23.92 and a 15.67 strike rate in 42 innings at this venue.
He has a fine record against most of the RCB bowlers. While Bhuvneshwar Kumar has dismissed him twice, Russell has struck at a whopping 246.51 against him. Andre Russell vs RHBs in IPL 2024: 17 wickets, 12.40 average, and 9.52 economy rate. Andre Russell vs LHBs in IPL 2024: two wickets, 39.50 average, and 11.85 economy rate. Andre Russell’s last five scores: 4, 0, 9, 3, and 3*. Andre Russell’s previous five figures: 0/14, 0/27, 1/38, 1/15, and 0/27.
Virat Kohli is another obvious captaincy pick due to his consistency. The only issue is his prolonged absence from the shortest format. It will be interesting to see whether he can get into the T20 groove after retiring from T20Is last year. Virat Kohli has 510 runs at an average of 39.23 and a strike rate of 130.10 in 16 innings in Kolkata. Virat has three fifty plus scored along with a century in the venue.
Virat Kohli’s biggest threat will be Sunil Narine, who has dismissed him four times. While Varun Chakravarthy has dismissed him only once, Kohli must be cautious against him too. Virat Kohli’s previous five scores: 76, 9, 0, 37, and 24.
It is safe to assume or say that KKR has had an edge over RCB, winning 20 out of their 34 encounters. Notably, KKR are the reigning champions, but RCB has a balanced unit with the likes of Virat Kohli, Josh Hazzelwood, Rajat Paditar, Phl Salat. So, we can’t rule them out, either way, we are in for an exciting clash.
