Rain threatens IPL 2025 opener at Eden Gardens: Details here
What's the story
The much-awaited opening match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, featuring Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), could be affected by rain.
The game is set to be played at Eden Gardens, Kolkata on March 22.
However, a meteorological bulletin from the Alipore Meteorological Department has raised concerns over possible thunderstorms in the region.
Here are further details.
Weather warning
Unfavorable weather conditions forecasted
The season opener will kick off with a grand opening ceremony.
However, the predicted heavy rain and thunderstorms could spoil the match.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of unfavorable weather conditions.
It says, "Due to the presence of favorable wind pattern & strong moisture incursion from the Bay of Bengal at lower tropospheric levels, thunderstorms with lightning and strong gusty surface winds are very likely to occur in some districts of West Bengal during 20-22nd March 2025."
Affected areas
Specific districts may experience thunderstorms
The IMD has also pinpointed districts that may be impacted by the forecasted thunderstorms.
These areas include Birbhum, Murshidabad, Nadia, East Bardhaman, North and South 24 Parganas, along with East Midnapore.
The forecast predicts a thunderstorm with gusty winds of 40-50km/h, lightning strikes, and hailstorms accompanied by light to moderate rainfall in these regions.
Importance
Both teams would want to start their campaign with win
As usual, the first match of the tournament is very crucial for each team.
While the Knight Riders will look to continue on their stellar title-clinching form from 2024, RCB's main focus will be on securing their first IPL title.
Notably, both the teams will be led by new skippers this season.
Ajinkya Rahane will lead KKR while Rajat Patidar has taken over the reins after Faf du Plessis was released from the squad.