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The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 is set to kick off with an exciting clash between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at Eden Gardens, Kolkata on March 22, 2025. This match will witness some fresh talent and new combinations after recent IPL auction changes. Let’s analyze the updated squads, player performances, and Dream 11 prediction for this thrilling encounter.
Updated Squads After IPL Auction 2025
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) Squad:
- Batsmen: Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar (Captain), Tim David, Swastik Chikara
- All-rounders: Liam Livingstone, Jacob Bethell, Krunal Pandya, Romario Shepherd, Swapnil Singh, Manoj Bhandage
- Wicketkeepers: Phil Salt, Jitesh Sharma
- Bowlers: Josh Hazlewood, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Yash Dayal, Lungi Ngidi, Mohit Rathee, Rasikh Salam, Abhinandan Singh
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) Squad:
- Batsmen: Manish Pandey, Rinku Singh, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Ajinkya Rahane, Rovman Powell
- All-rounders: Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, Venkatesh Iyer, Moeen Ali, Ramandeep Singh, Anukul Roy
- Wicketkeepers: Quinton de Kock, Luvnith Sisodia, Rahmanullah Gurbaz
- Bowlers: Varun Chakravarthy, Harshit Rana, Mayank Markande, Anrich Nortje, Umran Malik, Vaibhav Arora, Spencer Johnson
Pitch Report: Eden Gardens, Kolkata
- Known for its batting-friendly surface
- Average first-innings score: 197.3
- Pacers may get some assistance early, but spinners can dominate the middle overs
- High-scoring matches are common at this venue
Player Stats, Strengths, and Memorable IPL Performances
RCB Players:
- Virat Kohli: 1423 runs in the last 3 IPL seasons with an average of 36.5. Known for anchoring the innings and accelerating when needed. Top performance: 82 off 54* vs KKR in IPL 2022.
- Devdutt Padikkal: 1105 runs in 36 matches with an average of 33.5. Brilliant in the powerplay and excels at building partnerships. Top performance: 101 off 52* vs RR in IPL 2022.
- Rajat Patidar: Explosive middle-order batter who scored 112 off 54* in IPL 2022 Eliminator against LSG. Strong in pressure games.
- Josh Hazlewood: 45 wickets in 28 matches with an economy rate of 7.89. Known for precision bowling at the death. Top performance: 4/25 vs KKR in IPL 2022.
- Liam Livingstone: 712 runs and 21 wickets in 30 matches with a strike rate of 158.3. Excellent as a hard-hitting batter and part-time spinner. Top performance: 4/21 vs KKR in IPL 2023.
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar: 39 wickets in 37 matches with an economy rate of 8.01. Strong powerplay bowler known for swing deliveries. Top performance: 3/15 vs DC in IPL 2024.
KKR Players:
- Andre Russell: 714 runs and 42 wickets in 39 matches with a strike rate of 169.8. Master of game-changing performances. Top performance: 65 off 25 vs RCB in IPL 2024.
- Sunil Narine: 415 runs and 36 wickets in 44 matches with a strike rate of 135.2. A strong performer in both batting and bowling. Top performance: 3/20 vs RCB in 2024.
- Manish Pandey: 981 runs in 40 matches with an average of 29.7. Renowned for his stable middle-order innings. Top performance: 87 off 49* vs RCB in IPL 2023.
- Varun Chakravarthy: 53 wickets in 40 matches with an economy rate of 7.42. Mystery spinner who dominates on turning pitches. Top performance: 5/20 vs RCB in 2023.
- Quinton de Kock: Aggressive opener with 1070 runs in the last 3 seasons. Top performance: 140 off 70* vs KKR in IPL 2022.
Most Dismissals – Key Player Matchups
- Virat Kohli vs Sunil Narine: Dismissed 7 times in IPL history; Narine often targets Kohli with sharp off-spin deliveries, exploiting his tendency to play across the line early in the innings.
- Manish Pandey vs Josh Hazlewood: Dismissed 5 times in IPL history; Hazlewood’s consistent back-of-a-length deliveries often force Pandey into mistimed drives.
- Andre Russell vs Bhuvneshwar Kumar: Dismissed 6 times in IPL history; Bhuvneshwar uses accurate yorkers and slower balls to unsettle Russell’s rhythm.
Key Players to Watch Out For
RCB:
- Virat Kohli: Consistent performer with vast experience on Indian pitches
- Devdutt Padikkal: Young talent capable of anchoring innings
- Liam Livingstone: Aggressive batter and effective part-time bowler
- Josh Hazlewood: Reliable bowler with disciplined lines in powerplay and death overs
KKR:
- Manish Pandey: Experienced middle-order batsman with the ability to stabilize innings
- Andre Russell: Match-winner with both bat and ball, known for game-changing performances
- Sunil Narine: Mystery spinner with a strong record against RCB
- Quinton de Kock: Dynamic opener who can take advantage of powerplay overs
Dream 11 Fantasy Team Prediction – IPL Stats (Last 3 Years)
- Virat Kohli: 1423 runs in 45 matches with an average of 36.5 and a strike rate of 131.2; scored 3 fifties against KKR in the last three seasons
- Manish Pandey: 981 runs in 40 matches with an average of 29.7 and a strike rate of 128.4; played a match-winning 87 off 49* balls vs RCB in 2023
- Devdutt Padikkal: 1105 runs in 36 matches with an average of 33.5 and a strike rate of 134.6; hit a century against KKR in 2022
- Jitesh Sharma: Reliable middle-order batter with quick finishing skills; 842 runs in 30 matches with a strike rate of 146.7
- Andre Russell: 714 runs and 42 wickets in 39 matches with a strike rate of 169.8; smashed 65 off 25 vs RCB in IPL 2024
- Liam Livingstone: 712 runs and 21 wickets in 30 matches with a strike rate of 158.3; recorded 4/21 against KKR in 2023
- Sunil Narine: 415 runs and 36 wickets in 44 matches with a strike rate of 135.2; claimed a 3-wicket haul vs RCB in 2024
- Josh Hazlewood: 45 wickets in 28 matches with an economy rate of 7.89; took 4/25 against KKR in IPL 2022
- Varun Chakravarthy: 53 wickets in 40 matches with an economy rate of 7.42; bagged 5/20 vs RCB in 2023
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar: 39 wickets in 37 matches with an economy rate of 8.01; dismissed Virat Kohli 3 times in the last three seasons
Dream 11 Fantasy Team Prediction
Wicketkeeper:
- Quinton de Kock (KKR) Explosive opener, high-scoring potential
Batters:
- Virat Kohli (RCB) Consistent performer with immense experience
- Manish Pandey (KKR) Experienced middle-order batsman with stability
- Devdutt Padikkal (RCB) Capable of building partnerships
- Jitesh Sharma(RCB): Reliable middle-order batter with quick finishing skills
All-rounders:
- Andre Russell (KKR) (C) Power-hitter and key wicket-taker
- Liam Livingstone (RCB) (VC) Dynamic performer with bat and ball
- Sunil Narine (KKR) Impact player in both batting and bowling
Bowlers:
- Josh Hazlewood (RCB) Economical bowler with death-over expertise
- Varun Chakravarthy (KKR) Dangerous mystery spinner
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar (RCB) Swing specialist effective in powerplay and death
Captain & Vice-Captain Choices
- Captain: Andre Russell – High-impact player with explosive batting and key bowling spells
- Vice-Captain: Liam Livingstone – Capable of turning the game with his all-round abilities
Dream 11 Contest Details
For IPL 2025, Dream 11 has introduced a ₹3 Crore Grand Prize Contest with a 100% Win Guarantee in the first three matches. This offer ensures that users receive their entry fee back as bonus cash if they don’t win in the first three contests, making it a risk-free opportunity to try your fantasy cricket skills.
Final Tips for Fantasy Players
- Focus on selecting top-order batters, as Eden Gardens is known for high-scoring games
- Include at least 2 spinners since spin plays a crucial role at this venue
- Select Andre Russell or Sunil Narine for maximum points, given their consistent IPL performances
With a balanced squad and strategic player selection, you can maximize your Dream 11 score in this highly anticipated RCB vs KKR encounter. Stay updated with team news and playing XI before finalizing your team.
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Disclaimer: Fantasy cricket involves elements of luck. Choose players based on the latest news and their current form.
