IPL 2025: RCB's best XI that can defeat Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)

Eden Gardens is set to host the opening game of the 2025 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), on Saturday, March 22. This will be the first time the two teams lock horns in an IPL opener since the inaugural edition of the tournament.

As for the visitors, they will play under the leadership of Rajat Patidar for the first time. This comes after Faf du Plessis was not retained by RCB despite captaining the franchise for three consecutive seasons.

Regarding the head-to-head record between the two franchises, KKR holds the upper hand with 21 wins out of the 35 games played. However, RCB cannot be taken lightly. Spectators could be in for a high-scoring encounter as IPL 2025 promises an exhilarating start.

RCB's Best XI vs Kolkata Knight Riders for IPL 2025 Opener

Openers - Phil Salt (wk), Virat Kohli

After impressive seasons with Delhi Capitals and KKR, Phil Salt was acquired by RCB for INR 11.50 crore. The Englishman has the attacking prowess to take on any opposition and will be expected to provide explosive starts in the powerplay while also handling wicketkeeping duties.

This will be Virat Kohli's 18th season with RCB. The leading run-scorer of the IPL has a stellar record as an opener and will be expected to lead from the front. The true bounce at Eden Gardens should aid Kohli’s stroke play. He is coming off a successful batting stint at the Champions Trophy 2025, which will provide a confidence boost for the former skipper.

Middle-order - Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar (c), Jitesh Sharma

Devdutt Padikkal returns to RCB after three years and is set to occupy the No. 3 position. The swashbuckling left-hander will be keen to replicate his form from his first stint with the franchise.

A fresh challenge awaits Rajat Patidar as he takes on the captaincy. He was one of the three players retained by RCB ahead of the mega auction in November 2024. The spin basher will play a crucial role in the middle overs.

The talented wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma was another key auction pick. Despite an underwhelming three-year tenure with Punjab Kings, he has immense potential, which RCB will look to unlock.

All-rounders - Liam Livingstone, Tim David, Krunal Pandya

Liam Livingstone has endured a lean patch with bat and ball in international cricket. The IPL presents a fresh platform for the English all-rounder to regain his lost mojo.

Tim David was prolific for Mumbai Indians over the past three seasons. He is expected to take on the No. 7 role and will be eager to finish games with his big-hitting prowess. Although David has not bowled in a long time, he could be handed an occasional over.

Krunal Pandya is more than capable of providing late fireworks with the bat, as he has done for his previous IPL franchises. However, his left-arm spin remains his most valuable asset. As the lone frontline spinner, he will be expected to control the run flow and provide crucial breakthroughs.

Also Check: Why RCB might win IPL 2025? - Explained

Bowlers - Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, Yash Dayal

Bhuvneshwar Kumar may be out of contention for the Indian team, but his ability to swing the ball and execute pinpoint yorkers in the death overs remains invaluable. The IPL veteran will be expected to lead the new-ball attack.

Pacer Josh Hazlewood was RCB's most expensive buy at the two-day event in Jeddah last year, securing a contract worth INR 12.50 crore. The game against KKR will mark his return to competitive cricket after three months, and he is likely to spearhead the pace attack alongside Bhuvneshwar.

There will be immense pressure on Yash Dayal, the only retained bowler in the squad. Like Hazlewood, the left-arm pacer last played a competitive game last year. With his improved skill set, Dayal is expected to play a key role not just in the opening match but throughout the season.