KKR vs RCB Betting Preview & Predictions – March 22, 2025

Match 1: Kolkata Knight Riders vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru

IPL Betting Odds & Game Info
Best odds: Knight Riders -133.33 with Dabble | Royal Challengers +105 with Dabble
When: Saturday, March 22 – 10:00am ET
Where: Eden Gardens, Kolkata
Watch live: Fox Sports, Kayo

Knight Riders vs Royal Challengers best bets

Kolkata Knight Riders to win
💰 $1.75
📍 Nags.bet

Kolkata Knight Riders 6 Overs Total Runs – Over 53.5 Runs
💰 $1.83
📍 📍 Nags.bet

Top KKR Wicket-Taker – Sunil Narine
💰 $5.70
📍 📍 Nags.bet

Kolkata Knight Riders vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru match preview

The wait is over — IPL 2025 kicks off with a heavyweight clash at Eden Gardens as reigning champions Kolkata Knight Riders take on Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the tournament opener on Saturday night (IST) / early Sunday AEDT.

It’s a fresh start for both teams, with Ajinkya Rahane captaining KKR after Shreyas Iyer’s move to Punjab, and Rajat Patidar taking over the reins at RCB from Faf du Plessis.

KKR enter this match full of confidence following a dominant 2024 season where they claimed their third IPL title. Their squad remains largely intact, bolstered by the additions of Quinton de Kock at the top and left-arm quick Spencer Johnson.

Spin remains their biggest weapon, with Sunil Narine and Varun Chakravarthy continuing to form one of the best partnerships in the competition.

On the other hand, RCB are still chasing that elusive first title. Last season started shakily, and while a late push saw them sneak into contention, they ultimately fell short again. Several changes have been made to address issues — particularly in their bowling attack.

Josh Hazlewood returns from injury to lead the pace unit, and Phil Salt has been brought in to provide explosive starts at the top of the order.

Eden Gardens is known for its batter-friendly surface, so expect fireworks. With a full crowd and IPL energy returning to Kolkata, this match has all the ingredients for a high-scoring thriller.

Kolkata Knight Riders vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru predictions

Bookies have KKR slight favourites at -123.46 , and the stats back them in — they’ve won six of the last seven matchups and four of the past five overall. With a settled XI, elite spinners, and home advantage, they’re a strong pick to open their title defence with a win.

KKR’s aggressive powerplay tactics at Eden Gardens are worth noting. In 2024, they averaged 60 runs in the first six overs at home. RCB, by contrast, conceded an average of 57 in that same period. With Narine and de Kock expected to open, and Rahane to anchor at first drop, they’re well positioned to clear the Over 53.5 runs mark.

Sunil Narine remains a force at Eden Gardens. He’s taken two wickets in each of his last two matches at this venue against RCB and has dismissed Virat Kohli four times in T20s — keeping him to a strike rate of just 103. With RCB’s ongoing vulnerability to spin, Narine offers excellent value in the top bowler market.