Eden Gardens Weather LIVE Updates: The 18th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is ready to kick off on Saturday. Defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) will take on Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at Eden Gardens. However, the weather poses a significant threat to the game.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an Orange Alert for Saturday. Thunderstorms and heavy rain are predicted for South Bengal from Thursday to Sunday. A Yellow Alert has also been issued for Sunday. Fans are anxiously watching the skies as the much-anticipated opening match hangs in the balance.
A Historic Rivalry Rekindled
For the first time since IPL’s inaugural match, KKR and RCB will start the season together. That first match, played 17 years ago, marked the beginning of a cricketing revolution. Since then, the IPL has grown into a massive spectacle.
Fans continue to flock to stadiums in record numbers. Eden Gardens is already sold out for the season opener. Players’ arrivals are celebrated like movie premieres. Virat Kohli’s charisma alone captivates millions, as seen in his pre-season clips.
Memorable Clashes and Iconic Players
KKR and RCB have shared thrilling battles over the years. Last season, a one-run victory added to their storied rivalry. Players like Sunil Narine and AB de Villiers have redefined T20 cricket with innovative techniques. Andre Russell continues to amaze fans with his monstrous hitting abilities.
RCB’s strength lies in their long batting line-up. This allows them to take risks, even against strong bowling attacks like KKR’s. However, their new spinner, Suyash Sharma, might miss the game as he recovers from a groin injury.
Probable Playing XI for KKR
KKR boasts a strong squad, blending experience and young talent. Their likely playing XI includes:
- Sunil Narine
- Quinton de Kock (wk)
- Ajinkya Rahane (capt)
- Angkrish Raghuvanshi
- Venkatesh Iyer
- Rinku Singh
- Andre Russell
- Ramandeep Singh
- Harshit Rana
- Varun Chakaravarthy
- Spencer Johnson/Anrich Nortje
Probable Playing XI for RCB
RCB’s probable XI features a power-packed batting order:
- Phil Salt
- Virat Kohli
- Devdutt Padikkal
- Rajat Patidar (capt)
- Liam Livingstone
- Jitesh Sharma (wk)
- Tim David
- Krunal Pandya
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar
- Josh Hazlewood
- Yash Dayal
Weather Looms Over the Opening Match
Despite the excitement, weather concerns dominate the narrative. IMD forecasts suggest a high risk of rain disrupting the game. Fans are hopeful the match proceeds without interruptions.
RCB’s Challenging Schedule
After the opener, RCB faces Chennai Super Kings with a five-day gap. They will then travel to Gujarat to play the Titans. The start of the season presents a test for RCB’s batters, as they face high-quality spin attacks.
IPL Fever Grips the Nation
As IPL 2025 begins, the anticipation is palpable. The tournament promises thrilling action, unforgettable moments, and intense rivalries. Despite the weather uncertainty, fans remain hopeful for a memorable start at Eden Gardens. Catch the latest sports news and IPL cricket match updates, live scores, and in-depth analysis from around the world.
