IPL 2025: Rain likely to play spoilsport in KKR vs RCB clash in Kolkata

IPL 2025 will kick off with KKR vs RCB clash on Saturday at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 will begin on March 22, Saturday, with the defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) taking on Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata.

KKR will be captained by Ajinkya Rahane this season after they parted ways with Shreyas Iyer before the IPL 2025 auction. RCB will also see the captaincy debut of Rajat Patidar, who replaced Faf du Plessis as RCB captain, who was released before the auction.

Both teams will be eyeing starting their IPL 2025 tournament with a win. However, the rain could play a huge spoilsport in the opening match of the upcoming IPL season, between KKR and RCB.

Light to moderate rainfall possible in Kolkata—MET department warns IPL

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an “orange alert” for the region. Light or moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds is also forecast till Sunday.

Kolkata has been hit by short periods of rain in the run-up to the season-opening, with one KKR inter-squad practice match being rained out after only one innings. Light rain fell in the city on Thursday, but both teams finished their practice sessions.

The major concern for the organizers is the match day on March 22. The opening match between KKR and RCB might witness multiple interruptions or a complete washout as, according to the MET department, Saturday (match day) and Sunday are likely to see the most rain in Kolkata.

The KKR vs. RCB match is scheduled for a 7pm toss and a 7.30pm start. The IPL’s league stage provides for an extra hour of time extension; therefore, a five-over-a-game team must finish before midnight 12.

In the event of a rain washout, both teams will receive one point apiece. Following the game at the Eden Gardens, KKR will travel to Guwahati to face the Rajasthan Royals on March 26, while RCB will head to Chennai to face Chennai Super Kings on March 28.

The BCCI has also planned an opening ceremony before the IPL 2025 tournament opener between KKR and RCB, and that is also under threat of being canceled if the MET department prediction about rains comes true.

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