KKR, RCB set the stage for IPL 2025 opener under the lights at Eden Gardens

Kolkata Knight Riders along with Royal Challengers Bengaluru are all ready to begin their new seasons of Indian Premier League with an eye on the conditions on the eve of Eden Gardens in Kolkata. The first time they have met since they started out of their participation in IPL in 2008, the two teams will face one another in an opening match in 2025.

The Eden Gardens beckons as KKR and RCB will meet for the opening game in 2025. It is expected that the Knight Riders, under new captain Ajinkya Rahane are looking to score a unique double and RCB will be in the lookout for their first glory in the season 18. This number has a lot of significance for the Bengaluru team, as it's the number their talisman Virat Kohli wears on his jersey.

While RCB are looking to find their style in the 18th season KKR is aiming to be the third team to have two consecutive titles, following Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians.

One has to be aware of the weather, too, since rain is expected in Kolkata at night. It was raining just before the opener, too that forced the players to stop their practice.

Phil Salt, who used to give rollicking start for players of the Knight Riders, will be observed on the other side today as he's changed to RCB. Suyash Sharma, a player from KKR, is playing for RCB as well, however, Suyash Sharma is not in the squad for the opening.

RCB will pick Virat Kohli, and Phil Salt at the top and Devdutt Padikkal who is a key player, coming in at 3. Their new captain Rajat Patidar is expected to come to 4th position, while the middle order could include players like Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma, Tim David and Krunal Pandya. The bowling team could include Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, Yash Dayal and Swapnil Singh, or Rasikh Salam.