Rajasthan Royals (RR) have been thereabouts in recent years, and will be seeking to go one better in the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) season. They made the final in 2022, missed the playoffs narrowly in 2023 and then qualified for the playoffs last season.
Heading into the mega auction, RR raised eyebrows regarding some of their retentions and the amount they paid for them. In this article, we will look at the possible XII, strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats for RR in IPL 2025.
Sanju Samson will play solely as a batter in the first three games as he recovers from a finger injury. Riyan Parag will lead in these matches and Dhruv Jurel will take the gloves.
Shimron Hetmyer, Wanindu Hasaranga, Jofra Archer and Maheesh Theekshana are likely to be the overseas four for the first match against Sunrisers Hyderabad.
Strong Indian core crucial to RR success
RR’s batting is built around their Indian core. Yashasvi Jaiswal didn’t quite deliver the returns he is capable of last season, and can easily do so in this campaign. Sanju Samson has developed greater consistency in recent years, while Nitish Rana and Riyan Parag represents a very capable three and four to follow.
Also, Shubham Dubey, along with Dhruv Jurel, are key in the finishing department given Shimron Hetmyer is the only overseas specialist batting option. Dubey has a strike rate of 152.69 in 26 T20 innings to date, and is one to watch this season.
Good mix of right and left-handers in the batting lineup
Other teams in the IPL look a little one dimensional in terms of the right or left-handed setup. RR have a good mix in this regard. In their possible top seven, they have three right-handers and four left-handers, giving them the option of having a right-left combination at the crease throughout the innings.
Sri Lankan spin twins offers control and wicket-taking ability
Maheesh Theekshana could prove to be vital in the powerplay. He is accurate, keeps things tight and can enable RR to get into the game.
His Sri Lanka teammate, Wanindu Hasaranga, offers a wicket-taking option in the middle. RR will be hoping he can channel his 2022 season for RCB where he took 26 wickets, with 20 coming between overs 7-16.
Lack of sixth bowling option can leave RR short
The impact player rule can limit the need for quality all-rounders, but having additional bowling options remains important on good batting surfaces. RR’s lack of all-rounders in their squad means they will likely rely on five specialist bowlers to get the job done. If one or two bowlers have an off day, they may need to turn to the likes of Riyan Parag or Nitish Rana, which could spell trouble.
Can Jofra Archer make an impact?
Jofra Archer returns to RR. He was particularly outstanding in the 2020 season, where he took 20 wickets at an economy of 6.55. RR fans will be hoping he can produce something similar in IPL 2025.
Since then, however, Archer has suffered numerous injuries. So, expecting him to produce such a top class performance might be a bridge too far.
Considering this, RR need their other seamers to deliver. Sandeep Sharma and one of Akash Madhwal or Tushar Deshpande will likely play in the XII. Given the lack of all-rounders, playing two specialist spinners is necessary, leaving room for just three seamers unless RR drop a batter for a bowler.
Conclusion: RR may struggle
Batting wise, RR look good, although they lack backup to Shimron Hetmyer. However, their bowling lacks depth and they are a candidate to concede big totals. For this reason, I have them missing the playoffs.
Do catch our preview of RR on the CricBlog TV Channel as well!
Usman Khawaja has fired back at Queensland Cricket General Manager Joe Dawes for his comments ahead of next week’s Sheffield Shield Final against South Australia.
The Australia Test opener missed Queensland’s final match of the regular season, also against South Australia. There were reports that he “opted out” of the contest, but Khawaja insists he has a hamstring injury he has been recovering from.
What did Queensland Head of Elite Cricket Joe Dawes say about Usman Khawaja?
Dawes came out publicly to say he and Queensland were disappointed that Usman Khawaja did not play in the final round – a match where a positive result would get the Bulls into the Sheffield Shield Final. Dawes claimed Queensland’s medical staff declared Khawaja was not injured.
“That is my understanding from Cricket Australia staff as well. No hamstring issues as far as we are concerned,” Dawes told reporters at Brisbane Airport earlier this week, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.
“I go off our medical staff and there is no reason why he [Khawaja] could not have played the last game. It’s just disappointing he didn’t play a game for Queensland when he had an opportunity to. I have got a bunch of blokes here that all want to play. I think we are disappointed he did not play the game against South Australia,” Dawes continued.
“That’s the decision he made and he has communicated some of the reasons for that in the public. Hopefully he will make that decision to make himself available for next week [the Sheffield Shield Final] and we will make that decision on Friday.”
Usman Khawaja’s response
Queensland managed to draw the match and seal qualification, but tensions have been simmering since. Khawaja fired back at Dawes, telling reporters that the claims were “100 per cent wrong.”
“I started hearing murmurs and reports about me opting out, and I was fuming. I was actually really devastated,” Khawaja said, as quoted by news.com.au.
“Most disappointing, a board member [Ian Healy] started to attack me, which was really disappointing for me, because I feel like the board has a responsibility to the organisation and the players, and that was extremely disappointing.”
An honest and emotional Usman Khawaja labelled comments from @qldcricket head of elite cricket Joe Dawes as ‘categorically untrue’ and says he’s disappointed it wasn’t kept ‘in house’. More tonight on @10NewsFirstQLD@10SportAUpic.twitter.com/PWDhvWY0Cg
Khawaja attended the Formula 1 Grand Prix in Melbourne during Queensland’s Sheffield Shield match, but says everyone knew about his hamstring injury.
“The first and foremost thing was Joey [Dawes] said that the medical staff had no idea. That is 100 per cent wrong,” Khawaja said.
“I’ve talked to both (Queensland) physios. I’ve talked to the Australian physio. I was talking to the Australian physio the whole time. It’s on AMS, our athlete management system. My hammy (injury) is reported. Everything is there. Everyone knew about it.
“That was probably one of the most shocking things I heard said. It was really disappointing because it’s categorically untrue, so I just wanted to clear that up. (They) 100 per cent knew about my hammy injury.”
Khawaja also revealed he battled through the hamstring injury and left Cyclone-threatened Queensland to play against Tasmania in Hobart earlier this month. The opener said his wife, Rachel, encouraged him to play the game despite the weather threat at home. The Bulls won that match by nine wickets, with Khawaja hitting 127 and 33*.
“(Dawes) talked about the medical stuff, which I was flabbergasted about. The other bit about me not wanting to play for Queensland, and there’s other blokes around, was probably the most disheartening thing,” said Khawaja.
“The amount I’ve given to Queensland, just like Joey would have given … you give your heart and soul for this organisation.
“I played through the Tassie game with an injury, I knew it was a do-or-die game, but more so I left my family before Cyclone Alfred was going to hit.
“I sat down with my wife, and this is hand-on-heart the true story, and I was like, ‘I should stay, my family is in Sydney, your family is up the coast, I don’t want you to be home alone if something happens,’ and she dead looked me in the face and said ‘Uzzie, Queensland Cricket has given you so much, you owe it to them to play, we’ve got great neighbours, they’ll look after me if anything happens… we’ll be fine’.”
“And to be honest my wife is probably more angry than anyone else, because she’s the one who actually told me to get on the plane and go play Tassie.
“So for Joey Dawes to come out and say I don’t care and I don’t make sacrifices (for Queensland), I left my family here during a cyclone,” he said.
Will Usman Khawaja play in the Sheffield Shield Final?
Khawaja said he will be available for selection for the Sheffield Shield Final, which begins on Wednesday, March 26 at Karen Rolton Oval in Adelaide. Queensland finished the season in second, behind high-flying South Australia who have already won the Dean Jones One Day Trophy this season.
Khawaja said he has been working hard on getting his hamstring right.
“It’s not by any coincidence that I’m 38 years old (and still playing). Behind the scenes there’s a lot of work, I do a lot of work and I’m very professional with what I do,” Khawaja said.
“So I understand people look at it (the pictures at the F1) and they don’t have all the facts and the optics look bad, but I think that’s what was frustrating about it and the reason why I had to speak out.”
Queensland were the last team other than Western Australia to win the Sheffield Shield, back in 2020/21. South Australia’s wait goes back much further to 1995/96 where they beat Western Australia in the Final.
Australia’s Women’s team have been in amazing form in the recent past. Not only did they clean sweep England during the Women’s Ashes, but they haven’t lost a game since the 2024 T20 World Cup. Besides, several Aussie players did well during the recently-concluded 2025 Women’s Premier League.
The Aussies are currently in New Zealand for the three-match T20I series against the White Ferns. It is to be noted that they’ll be without the services of their regular skipper, Alyssa Healy, who is still recovering from her foot injury. Thus, the talented and uncapped wicket-keeper batter Nicole Faltum was named in the squad.
During an exclusive interview with Arvind Kalyana Krishnan, Australia Women’s head coach Shelley Nitschke drew light on the youngster. She spoke about how she has a wonderful opportunity to spend some time with some of the best cricketers and learn a thing or two. Shelly also stated that Beth Mooney will be closely working with Nicole in this tour, with Mooney to take the gloves. She also said that Mooney was looking forward to work alongside the 25-year-old around wicket-keeping.
While speaking to Arvind, Shelly also mentioned that she was excited to see what Nicole brings to the group. Moreover, the head coach of Australia Women’s also highlighted the constant need to improve. Despite the team being in amazing form, she was of the opinion that there’s always room for improvement. While she felt that there wasn’t a specific area of improvement, the former all-rounder wanted Australia Women’s to set new standards.
Australia women’s coach Shelley Nitschke – We are always looking to improve
Below is the entire conversation between Arvind Kalyana Krishnan and Shelley Nitschke
Arvind Kalyana Krishnan: So my question to you is that Australian Women’s have been in amazing form and y’all have barely put a foot wrong. So are there any areas of improvement that y’all have spoken about because with so less issues happening, are there any areas of improvement you feel personally?
Shelley Nitschke: Yeah, look I think we’re always looking to improve….Whether that’s in the back of a good performance or a poor performance. I think it’s just about getting better in all areas, and that goes down to individuals as well. So I don’t think there’s one specific area but we just want to be I guess…..Pushing the game forward and setting new standards in what can be achieved, whether that’s in the field, with the ball, or with the bat so I think that’s what we wanna do. We want to keep improving and keep setting a high bar.
Arvind Kalyana Krishnan: Yeah, and like you mentioned earlier, Nic (Nicole Faltum) is in the squad. How excited are you on the prospect of her having the opportunity to interact with Beth Mooney who’s been in such amazing form?
Shelley Nitschke: Yeah, it’s a really good opportunity I think for Nic. I was speaking to her this morning and I know that Beth Mooney is actually looking forward to working with her with the gloves. So I think it’s a good opportunity for both of them but particularly Nic to come over here, to get around the group, to train alongside some of the game’s best. Like Mooney is about to play her 200th game and she’ll be working closely with Nic on this tour, so it’s exciting. She brings a lot of energy. We know she’s a great person to have too. So I’m very happy to have her here and see you know what she brings to the group
Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) enter the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) as one of the favourites for the title. Pat Cummins’ team caught the attention of millions last year, with their swushbuckling and attacking brand of cricket breaking records en route to an appearance in the final.
They ultimately fell short to eventual champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), but SRH look strong once again thanks to a clear strategy on retentions and purchases in the mega auction period.
In this article, we will look at SRH’s possible XII and analyse some of their key strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats in IPL 2025.
SRH IPL 2025 Preview: Is this the year of the Orange Army?
SRH Possible XII
1. Travis Head (OS), 2. Abhishek Sharma, 3. Ishan Kishan, 4. Nitish Kumar Reddy, 5. Heinrich Klaasen (OS, wk), 6. Aniket Verma, 7. Abhinav Manohar, 8. Pat Cummins (OS, c), 9. Mohammed Shami, 10. Adam Zampa (OS), 11. Rahul Chahar, 12. Harshal Patel
Batting power will underpin SRH’s strategy once again. They have added Ishan Kishan to an already strong top five. Also, they have added plenty of experience in their bowling ranks, with Mohammed Shami, Harshal Patel, Adam Zampa and Rahul Chahar expected to form a key part of the attack along with skipper Cummins.
Batting Analysis: Powerplay dominance and spin-hitting
SRH smashed three of the four highest IPL totals last season. They hammered 287/3 against RCB, 277/3 against MI, and 266/7 against DC.
Travis Head smashed 401 runs in the powerplay at a strike rate of 208.9 in IPL 2024. Abhishek Sharma was just as dynamic, with his 343 powerplay runs coming at a strike rate of 203.
Head and Abhishek were predictable retentions for SRH given their exploits in 2024, which included 125 runs in a single powerplay against the Delhi Capitals. They will be central to SRH’s strategy once again, especially on flat pitches where they can get so much of a headstart that the opposition may struggle to recover.
Ishan Kishan and the ever-improving Nitish Kumar Reddy are excellent follow ups. Heinrich Klaasen, welcomed so joyfully by SRH fans, struck at 180.2 against spin in IPL 2024. Depending on the start provided by the top order, SRH have the luxury of elevating Klaasen up the order to take on the spinners and set up those big scores.
SRH IPL 2025 Preview & Analysis: Abhishek Sharma is primed for a big season.
How will SRH sort out the number 6 and 7 positions?
One potential area of concern for SRH is their lower order. Abhinav Manohar, with a T20 strike rate of 149.07, could prove to be a key player. The promising Aniket Sharma, who struck 46 off 16 balls in a practice game leading up to IPL 2025, is also one to watch.
SRH need impact from these positions, especially if the top five have even a bit of an off day. If they do, they will be even better placed for a playoffs and finals push.
Can this SRH lineup perform if batting on a tricky surface?
The pitches around the country were superb for batting in IPL 2024. However, what if SRH are faced with trickier surfaces that seam or spin in IPL 2025? The impact of Head and Abhishek will be fascinating to see, while the technically correct Nitish Kumar Reddy could prove crucial in holding the innings together in such a scenario.
Bowling arsenal: Experience and defensive bowling ability
Pat Cummins and Adam Zampa are two solid defensive bowling options in T20s. Cummins has come of age in this regard, with a range of variations on show even during IPL 2024, particularly in the record match against RCB.
With RCB’s batters going all guns blazing in the chase of 288, Cummins conceded just 25 runs in his first three overs before finishing with 3/43. Such returns are important for the SRH captain on flat pitches, which gives other members of the bowling attack a little more room for error.
That being said, Mohammed Shami can give SRH headstarts in the powerplay. He is a genuine wicket-taker in this period. In fact, he took 17 wickets between overs 1-6 in 2023, playing a key role in GT’s run to the final.
Also, how Harshal Patel performs is key to SRH’s chances. His wicket-taking ability is clear, as seen with his Purple Cap award in 2024, but an economy rate of 9.73 is something SRH would like to see head downwards. Whether he can be effective with his slower balls on flat pitches in particular remains to be seen.
Conclusion: How will SRH fare?
Opposition teams will be spending plenty of time doing their homework on SRH. However, whether they can execute effectively is a whole different challenge.
SRH possess a number of players who can take the game away. They will look to dominate with their striking and bat teams out of contests.
Expect SRH to finish in the playoffs spots at the very least. If they don’t, it will prove to be a very disappointing season indeed.
Sunrisers Hyderabad and Rajasthan Royals will kickstart their IPL 2025 campaign in the 2nd match of the tournament. The match will be played at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium on 23rd March 2025 at 3:30 PM IST.
Sunrisers Hyderabad were runners-up in the last edition and they’ll be itching to go one better in 2025. They completely changed their brand of cricket by going super aggressive with their batting, and it nearly paid off. They’ve added Ishan Kishan and Abhinav Manohar to bolster their already explosive batting unit.
Mohammed Shami, Adam Zampa and Harshal Patel are the new additions in the bowling department and they are looking very solid as a team. They have good batting depth with excellent quality and the bowling also covers most bases. It’ll be interesting to see how aggressive they go as a side in IPL 2025.
Meanwhile, Rajasthan Royals have been one of the most consistent sides in the last few seasons but they’ve failed to win the title. They got knocked out by SRH in the 2nd Qualifier of IPL 2025 and the men in pink will look to settle the score in this game. Their squad looks good but lacks that overall depth that many other sides have in the IPL.
They trusted Shimron Hetmyer by retaining for a hefty amount and the West Indian will be an important player for them in the lower middle order. However, the Royals have a great core of Indian batters and they’ll expect them to come good this season. Nitish Rana is expected to bat at three. They also have Vaibhav Suryavanshi who will be the youngest to play in the IPL if he gets the chance.
Further from an overseas perspective, RR have the Sri Lankan spin twins – Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana – along with Jofra Archer’s return. In this article, we will look at the possible playing XIIs, Hyderabad conditions, fantasy tips, matchups and Dream11 Prediction for the 2nd match of IPL 2025 between SRH and RR.
Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium Hyderabad Pitch Report and Weather
The pitch at Hyderabad was an excellent one for batting in IPL 2024. The average first innings score here in the last edition was 204 runs. It’s expected to be similar this season as well considering SRH’s explosive batting.
Not much movement is expected for the pacers as it’s a day game. Spinners may get some assistance. SRH chased down 165 in just 9.4 overs at this venue against LSG last year. Teams will prefer chasing if they win the toss.
It will be a clear day with no chance of rain. It might be a little cloudy but there’s no rain forecast. The temperature will be around 32-33 degrees Celsius at the game time.
Fantasy Cricket Tips for SRH vs RR: Players to Watch/Key Stats
Note: Try to pick more batters and all-rounders if you are playing on Dream11. The new point system rewards the batters heavily.
Top Wicket-Keeper Picks:
Heinrich Klaasenis one of the most explosive batters in world cricket. He’s been in good form as well. Klaasen averaged 90.50 at a strike rate of 194.62 at this venue last season. He will be a must in your fantasy teams. Try him as C/VC while batting first.
Sanju Samson has 801 runs against SRH in 23 innings at an average of 44.50 including four fifties and a century. Samson is a key batter for his side and has been in terrific form lately.
Ishan Kishan is expected to bat at 3 for SRH. He is an explosive batter who likes to attack the opposition. Kishan will be a top fantasy pick, especially on Dream11 with the new points system.
Key batter picks:
Travis Head is arguably the most explosive batter in world cricket in recent years. He has been very consistent with his attacking approach and will be a must in your fantasy teams. Head scored 241 runs in six innings at an average of 48.20 and strike rate of 191.27 with three fifties at Hyderabad in IPL 2024. He will be a top C/VC option.
Yashasvi Jaiswal will be an important batter for his side at the top. We all know how capable he is and what he can do on his day. Jaiswal has 266 runs against SRH at an average of 38 at a strike rate of 158.30 with a couple of fifties.
Top all-rounder picks:
Abhishek Sharma averaged 56.80 at a strike rate of 249.12 at Hyderabad in IPL 2024 (284 runs in just six innings with three fifties). He has done a great job for India in T20Is in the last 12 months and will be a top C/VC option for this game.
Riyan Paragwas phenomenal for Rajasthan in IPL 2024 and will play an even more pivotal role at number 4 this year. He is a good player of spin bowling and can play according to the situation. Parag may also bowl an over or two. He will be a must in your fantasy teams.
Nitish Kumar Reddy was the find of IPL 2024. He is a match-winner with the bat and can bowl 2-3 overs on any given day. He has 140 runs in four innings at the venue at an average of 70 at a strike of 159.09. A top fantasy option.
Key bowler picks:
Pat Cummins picked eight wickets at Hyderabad in IPL 2024. He will bowl the important overs for his side and he’s capable with the bat as well. Cummins will be a good pick in your fantasy teams.
Harshal Patel has 21 wickets in 12 games against Rajasthan Royals. He was the Purple Cap winner in IPL 2024 and will bowl in the middle and death overs. Patel can pick up wickets in clusters considering RR’s fragile lower order.
Other Players to Consider for your Fantasy Cricket Team
Nitish Rana will bat at 3 for the Royals. He has four fifties against SRH in 16 innings for his 546 runs at an average of 34.10. He may roll his arm over if required. He is decent fantasy pick who will be a game-changer on his day.
Wanindu Hasaranga has a 5-fer against SRH in the IPL. SRH’s current batting unit is excellent against spin but their attacking nature can go against them. Hasaranga can be a good fantasy pick with his batting ability as well.
Adam Zampa is a genuine wicket-taker in T20s. He can bowl in any phase of the game and can trouble Rajasthan’s batting unit in this match. Try him as C/VC while bowling second.
Other Matchups and Facts
Head to Head: SRH (11), RR (9)
Travis Head vs Jofra Archer (T20Is + T20s): 22 deliveries, 25 runs, 2 dismissals.
Sanju Samson vs Adam Zampa(T20s): 16 deliveries, 23 runs, 2 dismissals.
IPL 2025 2nd Match: SRH vs RR Dream11 Prediction
Note: The below teams are not based on the final playing XIs. We may not be able to update these in time. Use the stats and commentary in this article, as well as your own instincts, to create your teams.
Option 1:
IPL 2025 2nd Match: SRH vs RR Dream11 Prediction
Option 2:
IPL 2025 2nd Match: SRH vs RR Dream11 Prediction
IPL 2025 2nd Match: SRH vs RR Match Prediction -Who will win?
Sunrisers Hyderabad will start as the favourites to win this game. Apart from that number 7 spot, they have excellent depth with both bat and ball. Rajasthan Royals, on the other hand, lack depth in their batting. SRH should open their account in this match.
Disclaimer: The fantasy cricket stats, tips and predictions provided on CricBlog are intended for informational purposes, with the stats and writer’s views in place to guide fans in creating their teams. While we strive to offer accurate and insightful advice, CricBlog does not guarantee success or winnings in any fantasy contests. Users are encouraged to make their own informed decisions and play responsibly.
New rules have been introduced for the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) season. The two most notable, as implemented by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), is the lifting of the saliva ban and a second ball available in the second innings, as reported by Cricbuzz.
The saliva ban was introduced during COVID-19. Since the end of bio-secure bubbles and the like, there have been calls for this ban to be lifted. The IPL doing this may see a change in international cricket as well.
“We always keep requesting the authorities to allow us to use saliva so that swing and reverse comes into play during matches,” Mohammed Shami said recently during the Champions Trophy.
The second rule change, and arguably more significant, is a second ball available for teams bowling under lights. Under this rule, teams bowling second can receive a second ball in the 11th over (of a similar condition to a typical 10-over old ball) to counter the impact of dew.
However, this rule is not likely to apply in every match. According to a source in contact with Cricbuzz, the umpires will have the say in whether the ball should be changed depending on the conditions.
“It’s up to the umpires to determine whether the ball needs to be changed. They will decide based on the presence of dew,” said the spokesperson.
New rules aim to provide a more level playing field in IPL 2025
It remains to be seen how the use of saliva helps bowling teams in night games. However, it could bring about some movement during day games where conditions could be more dry and abrasive.
The second ball rule can be a gamechanger, and for the better. So often we see teams bowling second struggle due to dew, where the ball becomes tougher to grip and slides easily onto the bat.
But, the fact this is kept in the hands of the umpires has some fans worried.
Keeping it with in the hands of Umpires is wrong…so many controversies
As for the change of ball, the BCCI has left the decision to the discretion of the umpires. "It's up to the umpires to determine whether the ball needs to be changed. They will decide based on the presence of dew," a source explained. As a result, this rule will…
The saliva ban was persisted with coz there was no discernable evidence of its absence affecting bowlers' efficacy.
But this 11th over ball change rule at the discretion of umps is far more concerning coz it's not uniform, and that decision will often be polarizing.#IPL2025https://t.co/jkKtcasboS
It will be interesting to see how these new rules impact proceedings in IPL 2025. There will surely be a close eye kept on how the second ball rule is enforced by umpires, with consistency the key aspect to get right.
The 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) will begin with a blockbuster KKR-RCB clash, but the Kolkata weather may have other ideas. The forecast is for thunderstorms and heavy rain in the evening, putting the tournament opener under threat.
According to reports, the meteorological department has issued an Orange alert for rain and thunderstorms between today (March 20) and Saturday March 22, which is when the KKR-RCB match is scheduled to take place. An Orange warning is given when increased probability of extreme weather can lead to issues such as disruptions or damage to property.
Eden Gardens Kolkata weather forecast: KKR-RCB match under significant threat
According to AccuWeather, up to 34mm of rainfall is expected at night at Eden Gardens with a 90% chance of precipitation. The hourly forecast predicts the thunderstorms to eventuate at 9pm until around midnight local time. Should this eventuate, the match will be washed out after an innings of play.
Eden Gardens Kolkata weather forecast: Thunderstorms threaten KKR-RCB clash
Google predicts a similar forecast with the significant rainfall to come at night. Hot and humid conditions are expected throughout the day, with thunderstorms to build up in the evening.
Eden Gardens Kolkata weather forecast: Google predicts a similar story.
There is little doubt that the captain who wins the toss will choose to bowl. The Duckworth/Lewis Method is almost certain to come into the equation if there is to be a result. Plus, the warm and overcast conditions will bring swing into play with the new ball.
There have been no washouts in KKR-RCB matches. The two teams have met 35 times, with KKR emerging victorious on 21 occasions, including the past four clashes.
It was a dream campaign for KKR in 2024, but the mega auction has brought changes. While they have retained their core including Sunil Narine, Andre Russell and Varun Chakravarthy, KKR no longer have Shreyas Iyer at the helm. That mantle has been passed onto Ajinkya Rahane, and he will be seeking the perfect start.
For RCB, another season of promise begins with Rajat Patidar the new skipper. After an auction where they looked for a balanced unit rather than the big names, they settled on a squad that has potential. Phil Salt returns to the ground where he was so strong at last season, and he and Virat Kohli can form a strong partnership.
But, whether the middle order can effectively handle KKR’s spinners will be key, and the spotlight will be on RCB’s bowling attack against KKR’s strong batting lineup.
In this article, we will look at the possible playing XIIs, Eden Gardens conditions, fantasy tips, matchups and Dream11 Prediction for the 1st match of IPL 2025 between KKR and RCB.
Will RCB qualify for the #IPL2025 playoffs? Charbel and Nash share different views.
IPL 2025 1st Match: KKR vs RCB Possible Playing XIs plus Impact Player
KKR could opt for Quinton de Kock over Rahmanullah Gurbaz to open with Sunil Narine. Also, where Venkatesh Iyer will bat could prove to be an important move.
RCB have plenty of right-handers in their squad. Jacob Bethell is an option, but he may not find a place in the XII right away. Devdutt Padikkal is another option, but can he be effective enough if he doesn’t open?
Royal Challengers Bengaluru: 1. Virat Kohli, 2. Phil Salt (OS), 3. Rajat Patidar (c), 4. Krunal Pandya, 5. Jitesh Sharma (wk), 6. Liam Livingstone (OS), 7. Tim David (OS, impact), 8. Rasikh Salam Dar, 9. Bhuvneshwar Kumar, 10. Josh Hazlewood (OS), 11. Yash Dayal, 12. Suyash Sharma (impact)
Eden Gardens Kolkata Pitch Report and Weather
Eden Gardens played host to very high-scoring matches in IPL 2024. The most notable was when Punjab Kings chased down KKR’s 261 with eight balls to spare on 27th April.
The average first innings score on this ground last season was 197.86 at a run rate of 10.18. The chasing team won four of the seven games. KKR won two very close games when batting first (four runs against SRH and one run against RCB). So, the captain who wins the toss is likely to chase.
A warm and overcast day is forecast with a top of 30 degrees. However, AccuWeather forecasts rain and thunderstorms in the evening which could impact this game.
KKR vs RCB Fantasy Tips: Top Picks/Key Players to Watch
Top wicket-keeper picks:
Phil Salt has been in shaky form, but he returns to a ground he enjoys batting at. In eight innings at Eden Gardens, Salt has smashed 350 runs at an average of 50.00 and strike rate of 182.29.
Key batter picks:
2024 Orange Cap winner Virat Kohli is in fine form after a strong Champions Trophy. He is the leading run-scorer in RCB-KKR matches with 962 at an average of 37.00 and strike rate of 131.42.
Rajat Patidar is a fantastic spin-hitter. Since the start of 2023, he has smashed 215 runs against spin at an average of 107.5 and strike rate of 197.2.
Venkatesh Iyer can tap into RCB’s lack of top class spin bowling. The left-hander was superb in the IPL last season, where he scored 370 runs at an average of 46.25 and strike rate of 158.79.
Top all-rounder picks:
Sunil Narine is a must-pick in Dream11 and leading captaincy option. He will open the batting (he scored 488 runs in 2024 at a strike rate of 180.74) and has the most wickets in RCB-KKR matches (26).
Andre Russell strikes at 197.98 (392 runs) and has 17 wickets against RCB. Another must-pick.
Key bowler picks:
Varun Chakravarthy is a must-pick given the form he is in. He has 14 wickets in 10 matches vs RCB at an economy of 6.80, plus 24 wickets at Eden Gardens at a strike rate of 15.17.
Josh Hazlewood has a good head-to-head record against Quinton de Kock in all T20s: 29 balls, 38 runs, three dismissals.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar has fantastic head-to-head figures against KKR’s top three in the IPL: 2/31 off 28 balls vs Narine, 1/57 off 58 balls vs de Kock, 7/104 off 117 balls vs Rahane.
Other Players to Consider for your Fantasy Cricket Teams
Quinton de Kock is having a quiet year in T20s (8 inns, 159 runs, avg. 19.88, SR 115.22) but he can fire on a good batting pitch. How he handles Josh Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar upfront will be crucial.
Harshit Rana could go for runs but he is a wicket-taker. He took the fourth-most wickets in IPL 2024 (19), including four against RCB.
Liam Livingstone has an important all-round role to play for RCB. He is expected to come in later and finish the innings, and can contribute with some overs.
Jitesh Sharma is a solid spin-hitter. He strikes at 144.1 against spin since the start of 2023, although he has been dismissed eight times (avg. 22.9).
Rasikh Salam Dar can be a differential pick. He took nine wickets in IPL 2024 at a strike rate of 16.33.
Angkrish Raghuvanshi has shown promise in T20s, although he has just the one fifty in 18 innings to date. On a good surface, he is worth considering especially if he bats in the top four.
Other Stats and Important Matchups
Head-to-head: Matches 35, KKR 21, RCB 14.
KKR have won the past four matches against RCB.
KKR may look to implement spin early to Virat Kohli. Sunil Narine has conceded 127 off 118 against him (four dismissals) and Varun Chakravarthy 40 off 39 balls (one dismissal).
Andre Russell has smashed 97 off 37 balls against Bhuvneshwar Kumar (one dismissal) and 41 off 17 against Yash Dayal (no dismissals) in the IPL.
Virat Kohli at Eden Gardens in the IPL: 16 inns, 510 runs, avg. 39.23, SR 130.10.
Ajinkya Rahane averages just 18.43 with a strike rate of 120 in 15 T20s at Eden Gardens.
Venkatesh Iyer vs Bhuvneshwar Kumar: 36 balls, 49 runs, no dismissal.
IPL 2025 1st Match: KKR vs RCB Dream11 Prediction
Note: The below teams are not based on the final playing XIs. We may not be able to update these in time. Use the stats and commentary in this article, as well as your own instincts, to create your teams.
Option 1:
IPL 2025 1st Match: KKR vs RCB Dream11 Prediction
Option 2:
IPL 2025 1st Match: KKR vs RCB Dream11 Prediction
IPL 2025 1st Match: KKR vs RCB Match Prediction – Who will win?
Weather permitting, KKR is our pick to win this match at home.
Disclaimer: The fantasy cricket stats, tips and predictions provided on CricBlog are intended for informational purposes, with the stats and writer’s views in place to guide fans in creating their teams. While we strive to offer accurate and insightful advice, CricBlog does not guarantee success or winnings in any fantasy contests. Users are encouraged to make their own informed decisions and play responsibly.
The 2025 season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is on our doorstep, and predictions are running wild across social media. After the mega auction, most teams have a new look to them, and all sides will be looking to hit the ground running in what promises to be a competitive tournament.
Making predictions for IPL 2025 is difficult. All ten teams contain plenty of quality and can beat one another on their day. Also, there are various viable contenders for the Orange and Purple Caps.
Be sure to read our team previews for IPL 2025, with more to come:
IPL 2025 Predictions: Which players and teams will stand up tallest this season?
In this article, we will look at key predictions and the reasons behind them, namely Orange Cap winner, Purple Cap winner, four playoff teams and title winner.
Orange Cap winner
Virat Kohli – Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)
In a tournament filled with amazing batting talent on flat pitches, there are numerous contenders for the Orange Cap. However, Virat Kohli’s hunger for runs, plus his ability to bat for longer periods, makes him primed to win back-to-back Orange Caps.
Kohli was in fine touch during the recent Champions Trophy, and when he hits his groove in white-ball cricket, it is very difficult to stop him. The M Chinnaswamy Stadium should be magnificent for batting once again, and the great batsman should cash in.
Other leading contenders: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer, Travis Head, Abhishek Sharma, Ruturaj Gaikwad.
IPL 2025 predictions: Virat Kohli to win the Orange Cap.
Purple Cap winner
Varun Chakravarthy – Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)
When we talk about in-form players, Varun Chakravarthy is right up high on the list. The spinner has been magnificent in recent times, producing an excellent IPL 2024 campaign and then making a huge mark on the Champions Trophy.
Given the makeup of the KKR attack this season, there is every chance that Chakravarthy bowls in the crunch powerplay and death overs. This brings about even more wicket-taking opportunities in addition to the skill he possesses.
Other leading contenders: Arshdeep Singh, Mitchell Starc, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Harshal Patel.
IPL 2025 Predictions: Varun Chakravarthy will be crucial for KKR.
4 teams who will make the playoffs
Picking the four teams who will make the playoffs is always a difficult task. It seems especially tricky this season with some new-look teams and players seeking to make a mark for their new franchise. After much deliberation, here are the four teams I’ve landed on and why:
Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)
The Orange Army look fantastic. They possess arguably the most destructive opening combination in the league, with Ishan Kishan, Nitish Kumar Reddy and Heinrich Klaasen to follow. Even Aniket Sharma, who could bat at six, showed his prowess in a practice game where he struck 46 off 16 balls.
SRH have also added more experience to their bowling attack with Pat Cummins, Mohammed Shami, Harshal Patel, Rahul Chahar and Adam Zampa expected to form the core. While this core can go for runs, it has plenty of wicket-taking strike in it, especially if SRH pile on the runs batting first and opponents scramble to keep up with the run rate.
With the talent and firepower available, anything less than a top four finish for SRH would be a huge disappointment.
Chennai Super Kings (CSK)
We rarely see CSK miss the playoffs in two consecutive years. Under Stephen Fleming’s guidance and with Ravindra Jadeja and R Ashwin reunited, CSK should have a strong season.
However, CSK’s strengths don’t just end there. They have a balanced squad with strong backups. Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra could be vying for that opening spot. If CSK want more power later in their innings, Jamie Overton is an option over Sam Curran. If anything happens to Matheesha Pathirana, Nathan Ellis is a fantastic replacement there. And, of course, they have a strong Indian core.
CSK have most bases covered, with their lower-order power-hitting perhaps the biggest area of concern. That being said, they have a solid top order and Shivam Dube who has quickly put himself among the most dangerous batters in the middle overs.
IPL 2025 predictions: Ruturaj Gaikwad will be seeking a big season.
Mumbai Indians (MI)
MI had a shocker in 2024. The noise around Hardik Pandya being captain took its toll as they finished bottom of the league.
Since then, however, Hardik showed his worth in India’s T20 World Cup and Champions Trophy triumphs. He will be tasked with leading well and delivering with bat and ball, and I feel he is in a much better headspace now to do so.
Ultimately, MI’s hopes could rest on whether Jasprit Bumrah will return. The reports are he will miss a few games to begin the season. With the likes of Trent Boult, Mitchell Santner, Deepak Chahar, and Mujeeb Ur Rahman in their attack, they do have enough to get by, but they need Bumrah back to take them to the next level.
Assuming Bumrah returns by at least the halfway stage, coupled with MI’s mighty powerful and deep batting lineup, I expect them to make a return to the playoffs.
IPL 2025 predictions: Hardik Pandya is primed for a big campaign.
Delhi Capitals (DC)
There is a lot to like about DC this season. Axar Patel leads a side with balance, firepower and experience.
Faf du Plessis, even at age 40, is playing incredible cricket. KL Rahul is primed for a big campaign with no captaincy and good form under his belt. Also, Rahul’s style will complement the power of Jake Fraser-McGurk, Tristan Stubbs and Ashutosh Sharma beautifully. Sameer Rizvi is also a player who can have a breakout season.
One area of concern for DC is potentially the lack of quality backups in their bowling arsenal. However, the first choice bowlers make for a fine attack and their death-bowling options is where they could have an edge over other teams. Mitchell Starc will be key in the crunch overs, as will Mukesh Kumar and T Natarajan who can bowl fine yorkers. Plus, Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav will form a strong combination in the middle overs.
DC had an astute auction, and I believe it will see them land a playoffs’ berth.
IPL 2025 predictions: Can Axar Patel lead DC to the playoffs?
Why the other 6 teams will miss out
I believe Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Gujarat Titans (GT) are all very strong contenders for the top four.
It certainly won’t be a surprise if defending champions KKR qualify, but I wonder whether the likes of Sunil Narine and Andre Russell can be as destructive as they were in 2024. If they are even slightly off, that is enough for opponents to get a foothold. Also, their pace attack could go for plenty of runs, and they lose the leadership of Gautam Gambhir and Shreyas Iyer which served them so well.
Speaking of Shreyas, he’s at PBKS with Ricky Ponting. PBKS are among the most talked about teams given the leadership and talent they have in their ranks. For me, this looks to be their best chance to finish in the top four in years. But, I think they will finish just outside the top four as their lineup may still lack the game-to-game consistency that other teams possess.
IPL 2025 predictions: Can Shreyas Iyer and Ricky Ponting lead PBKS back to the playoffs?
GT are also a contender. Shubman Gill, Jos Buttler and Sai Sudharsan is a solid top three. Kagiso Rabada, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Rashid Khan and Washington Sundar looks a fine attack on paper. However, the output they get from their middle order will be key, so a lot rests on Glenn Phillips and Shahrukh Khan. Also, their death-bowling is worriesome with Rabada, Siraj and Krishna primarily hit-the-deck bowlers.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) all have cases for qualification as well. They are all dangerous teams with magnificent players in their ranks. However, I think all three will fall short.
RR look imbalanced. If you look at their probable XII, they lack a sixth bowling option. Also, a lot could rest on Shimron Hetmyer for the finishing, with limited backups for him in the squad.
RCB made a dream run to last season’s playoffs and they are capable of getting there again. Virat and Phil Salt can be a dominant opening partnership. Rajat Patidar the batter and captain will be key. However, the plethora of right-handed batters and lack of top class spin bowling might harm them.
LSG are a team that could hit 250 or be bowled out for sub-100. Their lineup possesses plenty of power, but who will be the consistent batter, i.e. the glue, in their batting order? Also, the spotlight will be on the Lucknow pitches as slow surfaces may limit the batting further. Plus, can their bowling attack keep opponents in check enough throughout the season? Time will tell.
Winner
Sunrisers Hyderabad
SRH will be aiming to go one better after reaching last year’s final, and I think they will. Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head are gamechangers with class players to follow. Their powerful batting, good backups and wicket-taking potential in their bowling sets them up for a big season.
Plus, there is the leadership of Pat Cummins, who led SRH to the final after success for Australia in Test and ODI cricket.
SRH is primed to go all the way, and they will achieve it.
What do you think of these predictions? Be sure to leave a comment or get in touch on Twitter @cric_blog.
Be sure to read our team previews for IPL 2025, with more to come:
For a team synonymous with near-misses and fervent fan expectations, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) enter IPL 2025 with a refreshed identity, marked by the appointment of Rajat Patidar as captain — a break from their tradition of typically leaning on established international stars. “Virat doesn’t need a captaincy title to lead,” Director of Cricket Mo Bobat noted, nodding to Kohli’s enduring influence while signalling trust in Patidar to helm a reimagined squad.
In this analysis, we dive deep into the team’s composition, exploring the strengths that could propel them to glory and the weaknesses that might hold them back.
1. Virat Kohli, 2. Phil Salt (OS), 3. Devdutt Padikkal, 4. Rajat Patidar (c), 5. Liam Livingstone (OS), 6. Jitesh Sharma (wk), 7. Tim David (OS), 8. Krunal Pandya, 9. Bhuvneshwar Kumar, 10. Suyash Sharma, 11. Yash Dayal/Rasikh Dar, 12. Josh Hazlewood (OS)
Unlike the RCB of old, which often banked on mega-stars, this lineup prioritises low-profile yet valuable, role-specific acquisitions. Kohli, Patidar, Padikkal, Jitesh, Krunal, and Bhuvneshwar form a robust domestic core, while Salt, Livingstone, David, and Hazlewood slot into defined roles: opener, middle-order pace power-hitter, finisher, and pace spearhead. Depth stretches to No. 8 with Krunal, a luxury RCB rarely boasted in the past.
Batting Analysis: Strength with a Spin Hinge
The batting order leans heavily right-handed, with Padikkal as the lone left-hander in the top seven. This homogeneity could pose challenges against spin, especially in the middle overs (7-16), where hitting against left-arm spin and leg-spin remains heavily reliant on Patidar. Much like last season, he was the standout performer in this phase, scoring 156 runs (the highest) at an average of 78 and a strike rate of 219.72 (the highest for a minimum of 25 balls faced).
Patidar – I still believe is the most talented batter going around in Indian domestic. https://t.co/Q5focgr0o2
Padikkal might not be the most talked-about player in RCB’s setup, but his role at No. 3 could be quietly pivotal. His long levers and ability to attack in-spin on good batting tracks could make him an underrated asset in the middle overs.
Padikkal's IPL strike rate vs. leg-spin and left-arm spin —
In India: 140.14 In the UAE: 121.56
In Mumbai, Kolkata and Bengaluru: 173.19
Small sample-size, but he isn't entirely hopeless. His long levers may help him smash in-spin on good batting tracks.
At the top, Phil Salt brings proven T20 pedigree, with 2,862 runs since 2023 at a strike rate of 162.06 — fifth-highest globally in that period. Though his recent form has been patchy, the Chinnaswamy Stadium’s batting-friendly conditions could be the ideal stage for a resurgence.
Further down, the retirement of Dinesh Karthik has prompted RCB to bolster their lower middle-order with power-hitters like Livingstone (IPL strike rate of 200 against pace, the highest for a minimum of 125 balls faced) and Tim David (206.88 strike rate in overs 17-20 since 2022, third-highest for a minimum of 100 balls faced). Krunal Pandya at No. 8 adds enviable depth while doubling as a reliable defensive spin-bowling option, well-suited to Chinnaswamy’s conditions.
Since 2022, in IPL matches with < 1.5 degrees average turn, vs LHB:
Axar: 13.7 ER Jadeja: 10.1 ER Brar: 11.2 ER
Krunal: 6.97 ER (most balls too)
RCB have locked down an elite defensive SLA for the Chinnaswamy – not dependent on conditions and LHB/RHB.#IPLAuction2025
RCB’s bowling, long a weak link, shows tangible signs of repair. Last season, their spinners struggled, posting the second-worst economy (10.10) and average (41.07) in the league. In an attempt to bolster this department, besides Krunal, they have brought in Suyash Sharma, a promising young wrist-spinner. Liam Livingstone’s versatility to bowl both off-spin or leg-spin further enhances their match-up options.
The pace unit, led by Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood, excels with the new ball. Even Yash Dayal, one of the three players retained ahead of the mega auction, is at his best in the Powerplay. However, this overlap could create an over-distribution issue, as all three are most effective early on. Their impact wanes as the ball loses movement, particularly in the case of Bhuvneshwar and Dayal.
If all three play, it may not be ideal for Hazlewood individually, but from a team perspective, his role could be optimised: bowling an over in the 5-6 phase to seal the Powerplay, using his hit-the-deck skills in the middle overs when required, and returning at the death to close out the innings. Given this structure, it wouldn’t be surprising if the curator leaves some grass on the pitch, allowing for conditions that assist new-ball movement at the Chinnaswamy this season.
This same overlap, however, underscores why Rasikh Salam, snapped up for a hefty ₹6 crore as the priciest uncapped buy, might edge out Dayal in the playing XII. He operates more post-powerplay, and with his potent back-of-the-hand slower ball, improved variations, and pace, also adds value in the death overs, allowing RCB to frontload Bhuvneshwar Kumar in his best phase and maintain balance across the innings.
Another option could be to field all four seamers and rely on Livingstone as the second spinner, though that seems unlikely.
Dayal and Bhuvneshwar to open, with Hazlewood bowling one to close out the Powerplay. Rasikh, Krunal, Livingstone (matchup bowler), and Hazlewood to handle the middle overs, with Josh likely bowling some HTD. Rasikh, Bhuvneshwar, and Hazlewood to wrap up. Not at all terrible.
Death bowling may be a concern, but that’s a challenge for most teams — barring perhaps the Mumbai Indians, who have the luxury of Jasprit Bumrah. On a relative scale, RCB might just hold up fine. While not flawless, their options are at least serviceable.
Tactical Flexibility: Options in the Arsenal
One intriguing option involves swapping Tim David for Jacob Bethell — a left-hander whose spin-hitting strengthens the middle overs — and replacing Padikkal with Manoj Bhandage down the order. This helps balance the top seven’s right-hand-heavy makeup, with Bethell easing Patidar’s workload while also contributing left-arm spin, while Bhandage’s Maharaja Trophy form — 292 runs at a 213.13 strike rate in 2024, plus handy medium pace — brings lower-order punch. His ball-striking prowess, showcased below, signals danger, though it comes at the cost of David’s proven finishing muscle.
Karnataka’s Manoj Bhandage. Brute power. Some glimpses of his ball striking. Pace bowling all-rounder. Can clock 128-130s. Although bowling is still a work in progress. But his ball striking ability is something to admire. https://t.co/jddZULYCdfpic.twitter.com/kLpJiAZJHk
Within the XII, RCB could also tweak their batting order. Though Liam Livingstone is slated for No. 5 with Jitesh Sharma at No. 6, context permitting, swapping them makes strategic sense. Livingstone’s primary role should be to take responsibility towards the end of the innings and dominate pace. His record against spin isn’t the best anyway, while Jitesh, at this stage of his career, has a shaky base against pace and can be restricted by top fast bowlers. He would likely add more value in the middle overs against spin than Livingstone.
I'm not sure why people are placing Livingstone at No. 4 in RCB's XII. He has significant struggles against away-spin (particularly left-arm spin). Across his IPL and T20I careers, he averages 21 against away-spin and strikes at just 103.8 as compared to 32.85 and 187.4 vs. pace.
Beyond the playing XII, Romario Shepherd offers a lower-order power-hitting alternative to Tim David while adding a seam-bowling option. Swastik Chikara provides a domestic right-handed middle-order reinforcement if the team requires. Nuwan Thushara, with his slingy action, serves as an overseas pace backup for Hazlewood.
Conclusion: A Dream on the Brink
RCB’s 2025 squad, a deeper and smarter unit, carries the weight of a million hopes. Spin hiccups and death overs still sting, but the Chinnaswamy faithful never waver. This XII has playoff pedigree; Patidar’s resolve could turn it into more.
