On March 23, 2025, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Mumbai Indians (MI), the two most decorated IPL franchises, will battle at MA Chidambaram Stadium. CSK, bolstered by spinners R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, aims to exploit Chepauk’s turn-friendly pitch. MI faces setbacks with captain Hardik Pandya suspended and Jasprit Bumrah injured. Suryakumar Yadav will lead in Pandya’s absence. Historically, MI struggles in season openers, last winning one in 2012. With passionate home support, CSK seeks a strong start, while MI hopes to break their opening-game jinx in this thrilling contest. The match starts at 7:30 PM IST.  

In the second match of IPL 2025, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) will face Rajasthan Royals (RR) on March 23 at 3:30 PM IST at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad. Historically, SRH leads with 11 wins out of 20 encounters against RR. In the 2024 season, SRH triumphed in both matches, including a narrow one-run victory. Notably, SRH set a record in 2024 by hitting 178 sixes, the most by any team in an IPL season. Fans can watch the live broadcast on Star Sports Network and stream it on the JioHotstar App. (PC: DNA India)    

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) commenced their IPL 2025 campaign with a commanding seven-wicket victory over defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at Eden Gardens. Opting to bowl first, RCB's Josh Hazlewood struck early, dismissing Quinton de Kock. However, KKR's captain Ajinkya Rahane (56 off 31) and Sunil Narine (44 off 26) forged a rapid 103-run partnership. RCB's Krunal Pandya then shifted the momentum, claiming 3-29, restricting KKR to 174-8. In response, RCB openers Phil Salt (56 off 31) and Virat Kohli (59* off 36) established a 95-run stand, propelling the chase. Captain Rajat Patidar added a brisk 34, guiding RCB to 175-3 in 16.2 overs. Kohli's unbeaten half-century marked his 400th T20 match, earning him the Player of the Match accolade. (PC: Jagran Josh, ESPNcricinfo)

In the IPL 2025 opener at Eden Gardens, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) defeated defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) by seven wickets. KKR, batting first, posted a total of 174 runs, with contributions from Ajinkya Rahane (56) and Andre Russell (40). RCB's bowlers, notably Krunal Pandya (3/29) and Josh Hazlewood (2/22), restricted KKR effectively. In response, RCB chased down the target in 16.2 overs, propelled by half-centuries from Phil Salt and Virat Kohli. Kohli's innings was particularly significant, as he became the first player to surpass 1,000 runs against a single franchise in IPL history.

In the IPL 2025 opener at Eden Gardens, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) set a target of 175 runs for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). After losing Quinton de Kock early, captain Ajinkya Rahane (56 off 31 balls) and Sunil Narine (44 off 26) forged a 103-run partnership, propelling KKR to 107/1 in 10 overs. However, RCB's bowlers, led by Krunal Pandya (3/29) and Josh Hazlewood (2 wickets), restricted KKR to 174/8, conceding only 67 runs in the final 10 overs. RCB's chase began positively, with openers Virat Kohli and Phil Salt providing a solid start. The match marked a nostalgic rematch of the inaugural IPL 2008 opener between these franchises. Virat Kohli is nearing his half-century here against Kolkata Knight Riders. Royal Challengers Bengaluru need 60 runs in 54 balls. Kolkata Knight Riders gets another wicket as Devdutt Padikkal departed after scoring 10 runs. 

In the IPL 2025 opener at Eden Gardens, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) captain Ajinkya Rahane led a blistering assault against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). After the early dismissal of Quinton de Kock, Rahane partnered with Sunil Narine, propelling KKR to 107 runs in the first 10 overs. Rahane's half-century off 25 balls showcased his dominance, while Narine contributed a swift 44 off 26 balls. RCB's bowlers struggled, reminiscent of their 2008 opener against KKR when Brendon McCullum's unbeaten 158 set the tone. Fans expressed frustration over RCB's recurring bowling woes. Notably, RCB's key pacer, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, was sidelined due to a minor injury, further impacting their performance. (PC, The Indian Express & Sporting News)

The 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) commenced with a vibrant opening ceremony at Kolkata's Eden Gardens, featuring performances by Shreya Ghoshal, Disha Patani, and Karan Aujla. Shah Rukh Khan, co-owner of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), added star power by introducing Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) star Virat Kohli to the audience. The inaugural match saw KKR, led by Ajinkya Rahane, facing RCB under new captain Rajat Patidar. This encounter marked the first time since 2008 that KKR and RCB opened the IPL season, rekindling memories of the league's inaugural match where Brendon McCullum's explosive 158* set the tone for IPL's success. Both teams have undergone significant changes, with new leadership aiming to set a positive tone for the season. Virat Kohli and Phil Salt are off to an aggressive start in their run chase. RCB need a modest 175 runs to win the match but have the threat of Sunil Narine and Varun Chakravarthy to deal with in the middle overs. (PC, Cricket Addictor & Smartprix)

The 18th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) commenced on March 22, 2025, at Kolkata's Eden Gardens, featuring defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). The opening ceremony dazzled attendees with performances by Shreya Ghoshal, Disha Patani, and a special appearance by Shah Rukh Khan. KKR started strong, with Ajinkya Rahane (56) and Sunil Narine (44) forging a 100-run partnership. However, RCB's Krunal Pandya shifted momentum, claiming three pivotal wickets, including Rahane, Venkatesh Iyer, and Rinku Singh. Suyash Sharma further dented KKR's innings by dismissing Andre Russell for just 4 runs. At 150/6 in 15.4 overs, KKR's lower order faces the challenge of accelerating the run rate to set a competitive total. (PC, The Indian Express & Sports Tak)  

The 18th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) commenced at Kolkata's Eden Gardens, featuring defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). Both teams introduced new captains: Ajinkya Rahane for KKR and Rajat Patidar for RCB. KKR's lineup boasted key players like Venkatesh Iyer, Rinku Singh, and overseas talents Quinton de Kock and Moeen Ali. RCB's squad included stalwart Virat Kohli, explosive opener Phil Salt, and all-rounder Krunal Pandya. Historically, KKR has dominated this matchup, winning four of the last five encounters. Notably, in their previous season's clash, KKR edged out RCB by a single run in a thrilling finish at Eden Gardens. (PC: The Economic Times)

Kolkata Knight Riders' (KKR) spinner Varun Chakaravarthy has expressed his eagerness to face Royal Challengers Bengaluru's (RCB) star batter Virat Kohli in the IPL 2025 opener at Eden Gardens. Acknowledging Kohli's past performances against him, Chakaravarthy stated, "He has batted well against me, and I would like to do well against him also." The spinner emphasized the importance of thorough preparation, noting that he has been working on new deliveries to enhance his game. He also highlighted the need to approach each IPL season afresh, regardless of past successes, and praised the team's bolstered international lineup, including additions like Quinton de Kock and Anrich Nortje.   (Picture Courtesy: PTI)