The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season is set to begin with an electrifying clash between defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). The match will be played at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Saturday, March , 2025.
This marks the second time KKR and RCB will face off in an IPL opening match, the first being in 2008 when KKR secured a historic 140-run victory, fueled by Brendon McCullum’s legendary 158 off 73 balls*.
History of IPL Opening Matches (2008-2025)
Over the years, IPL season openers have produced thrilling encounters, setting the tone for the rest of the tournament. Here’s a look at all IPL opening matches:
Read More :- KKR vs RCB Kick Off IPL 2025: A Thrilling Opener After 17 Years
Full List of IPL Season Openers
- 2008: Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Kolkata Knight Riders – KKR won by 140 runs (Chinnaswamy, Bangalore)
- 2009: Chennai Super Kings vs Mumbai Indians – MI won by 19 runs (Newlands, Cape Town)
- 2010: Deccan Chargers vs Kolkata Knight Riders – KKR won by 11 runs (Dr DY Patil Sports Academy, Navi Mumbai)
- 2011: Chennai Super Kings vs Kolkata Knight Riders – CSK won by 2 runs (MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai)
- 2012: Chennai Super Kings vs Mumbai Indians – MI won by 8 wickets (MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai)
- 2013: Kolkata Knight Riders vs Delhi Daredevils – KKR won by 6 wickets (Eden Gardens, Kolkata)
- 2014: Mumbai Indians vs Kolkata Knight Riders – KKR won by 41 runs (Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi)
- 2015: Kolkata Knight Riders vs Mumbai Indians – KKR won by 7 wickets (Eden Gardens, Kolkata)
- 2016: Mumbai Indians vs Rising Pune Supergiant – RPS won by 9 wickets (Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai)
- 2017: Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Royal Challengers Bangalore – SRH won by 35 runs (Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad)
- 2018: Mumbai Indians vs Chennai Super Kings – CSK won by 1 wicket (Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai)
- 2019: Chennai Super Kings vs Royal Challengers Bangalore – CSK won by 7 wickets (MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai)
- 2020: Mumbai Indians vs Chennai Super Kings – CSK won by 5 wickets (Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi)
- 2021: Mumbai Indians vs Royal Challengers Bangalore – RCB won by 2 wickets (MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai)
- 2022: Chennai Super Kings vs Kolkata Knight Riders – KKR won by 6 wickets (Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai)
- 2023: Gujarat Titans vs Chennai Super Kings – GT won by 5 wickets (Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad)
- 2024: Chennai Super Kings vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru – CSK won by 6 wickets (MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai)
- 2025: Kolkata Knight Riders vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru – To be played at Eden Gardens, Kolkata
What to Expect from IPL 2025 Opener?
With KKR and RCB locking horns, fans can anticipate:A high-scoring contest at the batting-friendly Eden Gardens. KKR aiming to continue their winning streak at home. RCB’s star-studded lineup looking to start strong. Possible fireworks from key players like Shreyas Iyer, Andre Russell, Virat Kohli, and Glenn Maxwell.
Key Insights & Expert Analysis
- KKR’s Record: KKR has won 5 out of 6 IPL season openers they have played.
- RCB’s Challenge: Despite their firepower, RCB has struggled in opening matches, winning only once (2021).
- Pitch Report: Eden Gardens favors batters, but spinners could play a crucial role in middle overs.
Final Thoughts: Will KKR Continue Their Dominance?
As IPL 2025 kicks off, all eyes will be on this thrilling encounter between KKR and RCB. Can RCB break their opening match curse, or will KKR assert their dominance once again?
📢 Drop your predictions in the comments! Who will win the IPL 2025 season opener?
