Courtesy: X
The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 opener between defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the Eden Gardens might get washed out as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted heavy rain in Kolkata and other areas of West Bengal on March 22. The government body has also issued “orange alert” for the region. Kolkata has been facing persistent rain for the last few days which also affected the practise sessions of both sides. Earlier in the week, the KKR intra-squad practice game also got washed out after the first innings. A day before the game, Kolkata witnessed rain for the entire night.
The rain left fans in despair as they had been expecting the match to happen without any hassle. The contest between both sides will begin at 7:30 pm with the toss scheduled to be held 30 minutes prior to the starting time. With the game just a few hours away, Kolkata weather has given hopes to fans as the City of Joy is witnessing a bit of sunshine at the time of writing. Noting the current scenario in the metropolitan city, IPL supporters will want the IMD prediction to go wrong so that they get to witness the opening game between quality teams.
RCB look to solve the KKR conundrum
KKR have troubled RCB a lot in the last few years. The Challengers have won only three games against Kolkata in their last 10 meetings. In 2021, Kolkata shattered RCB’s dream of lifting the trophy with a four-wicket win in the playoffs in Sharjah. In the last couple of seasons, KKR have looked relentless against the three-time IPL finalists with four wins.
If the weather doesn’t interrupt the game, RCB will strive to walk back victorious and make Kolkata taste their own medicine at the iconic Eden Gardens. Bengaluru will be playing under their new captain Rajat Patidar while the home team will look to be at their best under veteran Ajinkya Rahane’s captaincy.
