As the highly anticipated IPL 2025 season gets underway, reigning champions Kolkata Knight Riders are set to face off against Royal Challengers Bangalore on March 22 at their home ground, Eden Gardens. With Ajinkya Rahane at the helm, the team is looking to build on their previous season’s success. But what can we expect from their playing eleven in this opening match?
Despite some new additions to the team, the Knight Riders don’t appear to be any weaker than they were last season. The arrival of Quinton de Kock and Anrich Nortje, who replace Phil Salt and Mitchell Starc respectively, has beefed up the squad. On paper, at least, the team looks pretty solid.
When it comes to the playing eleven for their first match, wicketkeeper-batsman Quinton de Kock is likely to open the innings alongside captain Ajinkya Rahane. At number three, the team’s most expensive player, Venkatesh Iyer, could take the field, followed by young Angkrish Raghuvanshi at number four. The middle order, which was a strong point for the team last season, is once again looking formidable with the likes of Rinku Singh, Ramandeep Singh, and Andre Russell set to provide some explosive batting at numbers five, six, and seven.
In the bowling department, the team has two mystery spinners in Sunil Narine and Varun Chakravarthy, with Narine also capable of chipping in with the bat. As for the pace attack, either Anrich Nortje or Spencer Johnson could get a nod, with Harshit Rana and Andre Russell providing additional support.
So, what does the probable playing eleven for KKR look like? It could be: Quinton de Kock (wicketkeeper), Ajinkya Rahane, Venkatesh Iyer, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Rinku Singh, Ramandeep Singh, Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, Harshit Rana, Anrich Nortje/Spencer Johnson, and Varun Chakravarthy. One player who might be watching from the sidelines is Mayank Markande.
With a strong squad and a good mix of experience and youth, the Knight Riders will be looking to start their title defense on a high note against RCB. Can they repeat their success of last season, or will the Royal Challengers spoil the party? Only time will tell.
