The grand opening of IPL 2025 has finally arrived! Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) will take on Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in Match 1 at the iconic Eden Gardens. With the presence of world-class players on both sides, fantasy cricket enthusiasts are in for an exciting ride.
We provide you with expert insights on top fantasy picks, captain/vice-captain choices, player stats, head-to-head records, and probable XIs to help you build a winning Dream11 team.
Match Details: RCB vs KKR, IPL 2025
Match: Kolkata Knight Riders vs Royal Challengers Bangalore
Date: 22nd March 2025
Venue: Eden Gardens, Kolkata
Time: 7:30 PM IST
RCB vs KKR: Top Fantasy Picks
Wicket Keeper
Philip Salt (RCB)
- Attack opener with an IPL strike rate above 150.
- Has scored 50+ runs on two occasions at Eden Gardens.
- Can rack up points as a keeper as well.
Batsmen
1. Virat Kohli (RCB)
- IPL Record vs KKR: 38 Average
- Loves batting at Eden Gardens; a reliable fantasy pick for consistency.
- Can be a safe captaincy option in small leagues.
2. Rajat Patidar (RCB)
- Has scored 164 runs in just two games at Eden Gardens.
- Excellent player of spin, crucial against KKR’s spin attack.
- Differential pick for grand leagues.
3. Rinku Singh (KKR)
- Known for finishing matches under pressure.
- He is equally adept at both fast and spin; a valuable option for the middle order.
All-Rounders
- Andre Russell (KKR)
- All-round dominance: 423 runs and 17 wickets vs RCB.
- Over 1000 runs and 40 wickets at Eden Gardens in T20s.
- Must-have player for both small and grand leagues.
2. Venkatesh Iyer (KKR)
- Proven track record opening the innings.
- Capable of scoring quick runs and contributing with the ball
Bowlers
- Varun Chakravarthy (KKR)
- A monster for RCB’s middle order.
- 14 wickets in 10 matches vs RCB.
- Exploits Eden Gardens conditions effectively.
2. Josh Hazlewood (RCB)
- Dismissed Quinton de Kock three times in the IPL.
- A reliable bowler with the new ball and in death overs.
Captain & Vice Captain Choices: RCB vs KKR
- Captain: Andre Russell (All-round impact, excellent Eden Gardens record)
- Vice-Captain: Virat Kohli (consistency and safe pick)
Safe Pick for Small League
- Captain: Virat Kohli
- Vice Captain: Rajat Patidar
Both are consistent performers and safe players who can play long innings.
Pick for Grand League
- Captain: Varun Chakravarthy
- Vice-Captain: Philip Salt
Also Check: RCB vs KKR IPL 2025 Match 1 Preview | Pitch Report, Weather & Key Players Stats
Pro Tips
- Russell is a no-brainer for C/VC in risky combinations.
- Prioritise spinners from KKR and top-order batsmen from RCB.
- If RCB chases, Kohli and Salt become even more crucial.
RCB vs KKR, IPL 2025: Probable Playing XIs
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) Probable Playing XI
| Player | Role |
|---|---|
| Sunil Narine | All-Rounder |
| Ajinkya Rahane | Batsman |
| Quinton de Kock | Wicketkeeper-Batsman |
| Angkrish Raghuvanshi | Batsman |
| Venkatesh Iyer | All-Rounder |
| Rinku Singh | Batsman |
| Andre Russell | All-Rounder |
| Ramandeep Singh | All-Rounder |
| Harshit Rana | Bowler |
| Anrich Nortje | Bowler |
| Varun Chakravarthy | Bowler |
Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) Probable Playing XI
| Player | Role |
|---|---|
| Virat Kohli | Batsman |
| Philip Salt | Wicketkeeper-Batsman |
| Rajat Patidar (C) | Batsman |
| Liam Livingstone | All-Rounder |
| Jitesh Sharma (WK) | Wicketkeeper-Batsman |
| Tim David | Batsman |
| Krunal Pandya | All-Rounder |
| Bhuvneshwar Kumar | Bowler |
| Yash Dayal | Bowler |
| Josh Hazlewood | Bowler |
| Rasikh Salamdar | Bowler |
RCB vs KKR Dream11 Prediction, IPL 2025:
RCB Predictions
- One of Virat Kohli or Phil Salt will score 50+ runs.
- If RCB bats first, Jitesh Sharma will play a good cameo.
KKR Predictions
- Ajinkya Rahane will score 30-60 runs, regardless of when he bats.
- One of Rinku Singh or Venkatesh Iyer will score 50-70 runs, especially if KKR bats first.
Bowling Predictions
For RCB:
- If they bowl first, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood will take at least 3 wickets combined.
- If they bowl second, Rasikh Salam or Liam Livingstone will shine with the ball.
For KKR:
- Harshit Rana and Anrich Nortje will take at least 4 wickets combined, no matter when they bowl.
Match Winner Prediction
The team that chases is likely to win the match.
Conclusion
KKR has the advantage of home conditions, especially with the spin duo of Varun and Narine. RCB’s strength is their top-order batting led by Virat Kohli. Fantasy points are expected to be very tight in favor of spinners and top-order batsmen.
Disclaimer
This prediction is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and intuition. While we provide accurate information and predictions, please consider these points when making your decisions. We do not guarantee 100% accuracy or success in any prediction. Make your choices wisely and play responsibly.