The defending champions – Kolkata Knight Riders would be out on a mission to defend their title as they face Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the opening game of IPL 2025. KKR beat Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Final of IPL 2024 to lift their 3rd IPL trophy. KKR dominated in both the departments throughout the tournament being the best batting and bowling side in IPL 2024. KKR has a great head-to-head record against RCB and are currently on a 4-match winning streak against them in IPL.
They are just one win away from equaling the record for their most wins against any team and most wins for any team against RCB in IPL. KKR has won 6 out of the 7 times they’ve featured in the opening game of IPL – the most by any team in the history.
Interestingly, the first ever IPL match also took place between KKR and RCB back in 2008. KKR registered a mammoth total of 222/3 courtesy B McCullum’s 158*. KKR won the game by 140 runs, their biggest victory (by runs) in IPL till date. KKR-RCB rivalry is also famously known for RCB’s 49 all out at Eden Gardens in IPL 2017. This is still the lowest total by any team in IPL history.
In the very same year 2017, Chris Lynn & Sunil Narine powered KKR to 105/0 in the powerplay, which was the best powerplay score in IPL until 2024. KR has won 52 matches at Eden Gardens and are 1 win away from registering the most wins for any team at a single venue in IPL.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru, one of the most reputed franchises having been part of IPL since its inaugural edition is yet to taste success. They have played 256 matches and won 121 with a win per cent of 47 per cent.
In the last five seasons, RCB have made it to the playoffs 4 times, which shows their consistency. Also, during this period they have made it to the playoffs for the greatest number of times. Also, RCB has played the inaugural match of the season 4 times and have lost all of them.