IPL 2025 RCB vs KKR: Predicted playing XI, impact player and squad details

The 18th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is set to commence on March 22, 2025, featuring a thrilling opening match between defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. 

Kolkata Knight Riders: New Leadership and Squad Composition

KKR will enter the season under new leadership, with veteran batter Ajinkya Rahane appointed as captain following Shreyas Iyer's move to Punjab Kings and Venkatesh Iyer as vice-captain. 

The team's batting lineup is bolstered by the acquisition of South African wicketkeeper-batsman Quinton de Kock, who is expected to open alongside the versatile Sunil Narine. Rahane is likely to anchor the innings at number three, followed by Venkatesh Iyer and Rinku Singh. The middle order gains strength from all-rounders Andre Russell and Ramandeep Singh. 

In the bowling department, KKR boasts a potent mix of pace and spin. Fast bowlers Anrich Nortje and Harshit Rana are anticipated to lead the pace attack, with mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy providing crucial breakthroughs in the middle overs. 

Predicted KKR Playing XI:

1. Quinton de Kock (wk)
2. Sunil Narine
3. Ajinkya Rahane (c)
4. Venkatesh Iyer
5. Rinku Singh
6. Andre Russell
7. Ramandeep Singh
8. Harshit Rana
9. Anrich Nortje
10. Vaibhav Arora
11. Varun Chakravarthy

Royal Challengers Bangalore: Strategic Acquisitions and Squad Depth

RCB has undergone significant changes, with Rajat Patidar taking over the captaincy from Faf du Plessis. The team has strengthened its lineup by bringing in English talents such as wicketkeeper-batsman Phil Salt and all-rounder Liam Livingstone. 

The batting order is expected to see Salt opening alongside former captain Virat Kohli, followed by Patidar at number three. The middle order features explosive hitters like Jitesh Sharma, Livingstone, and Tim David, with Krunal Pandya providing stability and all-round capabilities.

RCB's bowling attack is spearheaded by Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood and Indian seamer Bhuvneshwar Kumar. Left-arm pacer Yash Dayal adds variety, while Suyash Sharma is expected to handle spin duties.

Predicted RCB Playing XI:

1. Virat Kohli
2. Phil Salt
3. Rajat Patidar (c)
4. Krunal Pandya
5. Jitesh Sharma (wk)
6. Liam Livingstone
7. Tim David
8. Bhuvneshwar Kumar
9. Yash Dayal
10. Josh Hazlewood
11. Suyash Sharma

Impact Players to Watch

Both teams have strategic options for the Impact Player role. KKR might utilize Angkrish Raghuvanshi, a promising young batter who impressed in the previous season. Alternatively, left-arm spinner Anukul Roy could be deployed on spin-friendly pitches.

RCB's options include Swapnil Singh, who offers a left-arm spin option and lower-order batting strength. Rasikh Salam provides an additional seam option, while Devdutt Padikkal can be called upon to stabilize the batting lineup if needed.