3 RCB Players Who Can Be Match-Winners Vs KKR In IPL 2025 Opener

Match winners for RCB Vs KKR [Source: @iplt20.com]

The wait is almost over as the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 is just around the corner and the first match of the season will commence on March 22, Saturday, between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and the defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the Eden Gardens.

Both the sides have had fierce rivalry with each other and KKR got the better of RCB in both the matches last season, and will look to do the same as they start as heavy favourites in their own backyard.

However, RCB have become stronger this year and will not go down easily. They have plenty of match-winners in the side and here are 3 of them who can take down KKR at the Gardens.

1) Virat Kohli

Perhaps the biggest match-winner for the Royal Challengers, the onus willonce again be on Virat Kohli to steer RCB to a win against a formidable and dangerous KKR squad. Over the years, Kohli has done well against the Knight Riders and will be expected to perform once again on a slightly trickier surface.

(Virat Kohli stats at Eden Gardens)

As the stats suggests, Kohli has decent numbers at Eden Gardens, and will look to dominate them in their home backyard. The RCB side doesn't have too many players who can counter the KKR spin threat, and hence, Kohli's job becomes more important. He is in form heading into the IPL and should be the centre of focus once again.

2) Rajat Patidar

The newly appointed captain of the RCB, Rajat Patidar's spin game in the middle-overs against Sunil Narine and Varun Chakravarthy will be a key factor. He is RCB's best player of spin bowling, and is RCB's best hope to decimate KKR's dream spin duo.

(Rajat Patidar record at Eden Gardens)

As the stats suggests, he has an impeccable record at the Eden Gardens and also has a century to his name at this venue. He strikes at 212 and this could be the key to dismantle the KKR side. If he can take down the spin duo of KKR, things would automatically become easier for RCB.

3) Bhuvneshwar Kumar

The "Swing King", is back with the Royal Challengers and alongside Josh Hazlewood will lead the RCB bowling attack. His overs at the front and in the death will decide if KKR will score truckloads of runs or will they get dismiss cheaply.

(Bhuvi stats in IPL vs KKR)

KKR is Bhuvneshwar's favourite IPL opponent and he has taken his most IPL wickets against them (32). Time and again, he has proven his worth as the swing bowler has 13 wickets in 10 matches at Eden Gardens and RCB will hope he can turn the tides against KKR once again.

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