Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have a stern challenge at the start of their IPL 2025 campaign as they are set to square off against defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, on Saturday, March 22.

Under Rajat Patidar's leadership, its the start of a new era for the popular franchise as the look to win their elusive first IPL title. Last year, RCB lost seven out of their first eight matches and had to hustle really hard in the backend of the tournament to make it to the playoffs. They would want to learn from their mistakes from last season and start strongly in IPL 2025.

RCB have acquired the services of the explosive Phil Salt, who is expected to open the innings. Virat Kohli and Devdutt Padikkal could form the top three alongside Salt. Kohli, who won the last year, likes to take his time before going hammer and tongs. Padikkal can also be a slow starter. Eden Gardens is expected to provide a fantastic batting surface. Last season, Punjab Kings slammed records, chasing down a 262-run target at the historic venue. The top-order will have to come out all guns blazing and make optimal use of the field restrictions inside the powerplay. Dropping anchor and saving wickets for the backend is not the ideal tactic at the venue.

KKR's mystery spinner Varun Chakaravarthy is in the form of his life. He bagged nine wickets from three games in India's triumphant Champions Trophy 2025 campaign. Batters have mostly failed to pick him from his hand and tried to play him off the pitch. This has proved to be a dreadful ploy which has played into Chakaravarthy's hands. Eden Gardens has not provided much turn in recent years. If the RCB batters can do their homework against the Indian spinner and start reading his variations from his hand, they could put him under serious pressure.

RCB have done well to rope in two experienced seamers in Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood. However, it is important for Patidar to use them wisely. KKR have some tremendous hitters at the backend like Andre Russell, Ramandeep Singh, and Rinku Singh. While Bhuvneshwar and Hazlewood can be formidable options with the new ball, they should have ample overs left to bowl at the backend when KKR's big-hitting trio will be in action.