IPL 2025: Predicting Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) Playing XI for the game vs KKR

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are set to begin their IPL 2025 campaign on March 22. They will face the defending champions, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), at the iconic Eden Gardens. With hopes of securing their maiden IPL title, RCB will look to start with a win. 

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However, it would not be easy to defeat KKR at their home ground in front of a passionate crowd. At this venue, in 12 matches so far, KKR have won eight times while RCB winning on four occasions. 

A new era begins for RCB under their newly appointed captain, Rajat Patidar. His first big challenge, along with the team management, will be selecting the best possible playing XI. As for the lineup, Virat Kohli and Phil Salt are expected to open the innings. 

Patidar will take the crucial number three spot, followed by all-rounder Krunal Pandya and wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma. At number six, Liam Livingstone is expected to play a key role with his aggressive power-hitting. Tim David will follow at number seven, adding more firepower to the batting lineup. Both players will be crucial in finishing games for RCB.

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The pace attack will be led by veteran pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar. He will be supported by Yash Dayal and Australia’s Josh Hazlewood. Suyash Sharma, a former KKR spinner, will be RCB’s primary spin option. Meanwhile, Livingstone and Pandya can contribute as part-time spinners. With these choices, Patidar will have six bowling options for the full 20 overs.

Eden Gardens has been a lucky venue for Kohli in the past. He will aim to start the tournament on a strong note. Phil Salt also had a memorable season last year when KKR won the title. He played a crucial role in their home games in Kolkata. With the match at the same venue, RCB will expect him to deliver a solid start.

For impact players, RCB can turn to Devdutt Padikkal or Swastik Chikara depending on the match situation. 

Here is the predicted playing XI for RCB for the game vs KKR 

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Virat Kohli, Phil Salt, Rajat Patidar (captain), Krunal Pandya, Jitesh Sharma (wicket-keeper), Liam Livingston, Tim David, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Yash Dayal, Josh Hazlewood, Suyash Sharma.

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