New Delhi: The excitement of IPL 2025 is set to begin on March 22, with a thrilling opening match between Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the historic Eden Gardens, Kolkata. Despite being one of the most popular teams in the IPL, RCB has never lifted the trophy. After India’s Champions Trophy 2025 victory, fans are eager to see if Virat Kohli can end RCB’s 18-year-long title drought.

However, this season, RCB has handed the captaincy to Rajat Patidar, a promising young player. Since he is a new leader, Virat Kohli is expected to guide him with valuable inputs. Whether Patidar can achieve what legends couldn’t remains to be seen. RCB’s potential Playing XI for the first match against KKR looks exciting and well-balanced.

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RCB’s Likely Playing XI for IPL 2025 Opening Match

If RCB wants to make a strong title push, they need to start the season with a commanding performance. Virat Kohli will once again open the innings, and his likely partner will be Phil Salt, who was a destructive batter for KKR in IPL 2024. Facing his former team, Salt will be eager to play a match-winning knock.

At No. 3, captain Rajat Patidar will take charge, followed by Jitesh Sharma at No. 4, who will also handle wicketkeeping duties.

Powerful Finishers & a Strong Pace Attack

RCB has assembled a group of explosive finishers, including Liam Livingstone, Tim David, and Krunal Pandya. Their ability to accelerate the innings will be crucial in tight matches.

The pace attack will be led by experienced swing bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar, alongside Rasikh Salam, Lungi Ngidi, and Yash Dayal. In the spin department, Liam Livingstone and Krunal Pandya will take charge.

With such a well-rounded squad, RCB fans are hopeful that the team will finally lift their maiden IPL trophy this season.

RCB’s Probable Playing XI vs KKR (IPL 2025 Opener)

1. Virat Kohli

2. Phil Salt

3. Rajat Patidar (C)

4. Liam Livingstone

5. Jitesh Sharma (WK)

6. Tim David

7. Krunal Pandya

8. Rasikh Salam

9. Bhuvneshwar Kumar

10. Lungi Ngidi

11. Yash Dayal

 

With this exciting lineup, can RCB finally break their IPL curse? Stay tuned for the action-packed IPL 2025 season.