KKR v RCB IPL 2025 betting preview & cricket tips | Match 1

Knight Riders vs Royal Challengers best bets

Kolkata Knight Riders vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru match preview

The long wait is over — IPL 2025 is back, and it launches with a blockbuster at Eden Gardens as the defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) take on perennial hopefuls Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on Saturday, March 22 (IST).

It’s a battle of new captains with Ajinkya Rahane stepping in for KKR following Shreyas Iyer’s move to Punjab, while Rajat Patidar replaces Faf du Plessis as skipper for RCB.

Both sides will be desperate to start on the right foot, but their build-ups have been far from identical.

KKR come into the tournament high on confidence after a near-flawless 2024 campaign where they lifted their third IPL title. They’ve retained their core and added experience in Quinton de Kock and pace in Spencer Johnson.

Crucially, they still boast one of the best spin duos in the league with Sunil Narine and Varun Chakravarthy.

RCB, meanwhile, are still searching for that elusive first title. A shaky start last year left them clinging to playoff hopes before a stirring late rally. But they couldn’t go all the way and have made several changes to their line-up in a bid to fix key weaknesses, especially in their bowling.

With Josh Hazlewood returning from injury and Phil Salt bringing firepower at the top, they’ll hope to finally match their star power with silverware.

Eden Gardens should provide the perfect stage for a high-scoring contest.

The pitch has become a paradise for batters in recent seasons, and with a packed house expected in Kolkata, this season opener is set to explode.

Kolkata Knight Riders vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru predictions

The markets have KKR slight favourites at $1.81 with top sports bookmakers, and history backs them in. They’ve won six of the last seven meetings and four of the last five overall. With home advantage, superior spinners, and a settled XI, they look the safer option to start the tournament with a win.

KKR have consistently gone hard early, especially at home. Last year, they averaged 60 runs in the first six over at Eden. RCB, meanwhile, leaked an average of 57 in the powerplay. With Narine and de Kock likely to open, and Rahane steadying at No.3, this is a strong edge. KKR have also passed this mark in two of their last three home clashes against RCB.

Narine may be in the twilight of his career, but he continues to deliver at Eden Gardens. He’s taken 2 wickets in each of his last two games against RCB at this venue. He also has a strong hold over Virat Kohli in T20s — 4 dismissals and a strike rate of just 103. With RCB potentially struggling against spin once again, Narine offers strong value in the top bowler market with cricket betting sites.

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