IPL 2025 – KKR vs RCB, Match 1 Predictions, Preview & Tips

It is that time of the year once again as we gear up for the 18th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). In the season opener the reigning champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) will play host to 3-time IPL finalists, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the iconic Eden Gardens. Ahead of this exciting contest check out KKR vs RCB preview, match predictions, odds and insightful betting tips.

Match Details

KKR vs RCB Betting Odds

KKR vs RCB Match Preview

Kolkata Knight Riders who won 52 of the 88 matches played at Eden Gardens, enter the season with a new look squad. Led by veteran Ajinkya Rahane who has dominated the Syed Mushtaq Ali trophy this year, will bring all his experience and form. While KKR do have a trouble at the top of the order choosing between two top class T20 batters (Quinton de Kock & Rahmanullah Gurbaz) to open with Sunil Narine. While they have a settled middle order with the likes of Venkatesh Iyer, Rinku Singh and Andre Russell. Ramandeep Singh adds depth to the lineup with both bat & ball.

KKR are always known as a dominant spin bowling lineup, especially when they play at Eden Gardens and this season is no different. Varun Chakravarthy and Sunil Narine remain the key bowlers, while Mayank Markande could be unleashed if the track offers some turn. Anrich Nortje, Harshith Rana and Vaibhav Arora form the pace attack.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru who have won 5 of the 13 games at Eden Gardens, will look to Kickstart their season off in a positive way. Under the leadership of Rajat Patidar who was one of the stars in RCB’s comeback last season will have a bigger shoes to fill. Phil Salt will return back to the venue where he averages over 50 at Kolkata, will have a bigger role to play in the top order alongside Virat Kohli.

RCB’s middle order has depth this time around with the likes of Krunal Pandya, Tim David, Livingstone and Jitesh Sharma. While Tom Curran is another option that RCB might give a look if they want an additional fast bowler, given the spin bowling options of Pandya and Livingstone. Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood will share the new ball, Yash Dayal is the likely third seamer. When it comes to impact players Swapnil Singh and Devdutt Padikkal are the ideal players who might get a go based on the match situation.

Eden Gardens Pitch Report

The pitch at Eden Gardens favours the batters, where the ball comes onto the bat nicely and the fast outfield further aids the batters and spinners will be key at this venue. The average total match score in the last 7 ipl matches played at this venue is 393. With rain looming around, the conditions might be overcast which will favour the bowlers and a moderate scoring game is on the cards.

KKR vs RCB Probable Playing XI

KKR vs RCB Betting Tips

KKR vs RCB Match Prediction

The home team KKR enter this contest as favourites as they hold a dominant 8-4 record against RCB at Kolkata. KKR won the last two games played against RCB at Eden Gardens. The main strength of KKR is their lethal spin bowling unit and an experience middle-order, while RCB’s middle order barring Patidar are prone to struggle on spin friendly tracks.

Our Prediction – We back the home team Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to win the match and predict the total match score to be under 361 runs.