IPL 2025: Season to launch with KKR vs RCB face-off
What's the story
The 18th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) will kick off on March 22, Saturday.
Meanwhile, the opening match will take place at Kolkata's Eden Gardens, where the defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) will take on Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), who recently named Rajat Patidar as their new captain.
Additionally, KKR would be looking to defend their title, while RCB would make a strong push towards their maiden title.
Here's more.
Head-to-head
KKR vs RCB: A look at the head-to-head record
Across 17 IPL seasons, the two teams have locked horns on 34 occasions, with KKR winning the first and last fixture between the two teams.
Notably, the reigning champions lead RCB in terms of H2H with a record of 20-14.
Additionally, the highest score RCB have smashed is 221, while KKR have managed 222 against RCB.
Meanwhile, KKR have also managed to hand RCB their lowest IPL total of 49 runs.
Match details
SRH to play opening match against RR
The last season's runners-up, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), will also play their opening match at home.
They will take on Rajasthan Royals (RR) at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Uppal on March 23, a Sunday.
Additionally, the match will be an afternoon game, adding variety to the tournament's schedule.
Tournament finale
IPL 2025 final to be held at Eden Gardens
The BCCI is yet to officially announce the full schedule for IPL 2025.
However, it is understood that the board has shared key dates with the franchises.
The final match is set to follow tradition and will be held in Kolkata, at Eden Gardens on Sunday, May 25, according to Cricbuzz.
Meanwhile, this venue selection maintains the custom of hosting the finale in the city of defending champions.
New venues
IPL 2025 to feature matches in Guwahati, Dharamsala
Apart from the regular centers, this season's matches will also be played in Guwahati and Dharamsala.
Meanwhile, Rajasthan Royals have picked Guwahati as their second venue and will play there on March 26 and 30.
The Royals will face Kolkata Knight Riders and Chennai Super Kings respectively on these dates.
Dharamsala will host a few home games of Punjab Kings, with the number being possibly three this season.
As previously announced, Qualifier 1 and Eliminator will be held in Hyderabad.
Captain
Rajat Patidar becomes RCB's eighth captain in IPL
In a major development, RCB named Rajat Patidar as their captain for the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) season.
Patidar has replaced Faf du Plessis, who was released by the Royal Challengers following IPL 2024.
Meanwhile, Patidar will become the eighth player to lead RCB in the IPL. He joins Kohli, du Plessis, Anil Kumble, Daniel Vettori, Rahul Dravid, Kevin Pietersen, and Shane Watson.
Additionally, the skipper received some strong backing from coach Andy Flower and former skipper Virat Kohli.