IPL 2025: Kolkata Knight Riders Set to Kick Off Campaign Against RCB on March 22

Kolkata, India – The excitement for IPL 2025 is reaching new heights as the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) prepare to take on the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the season opener on Saturday, March 22 at Kolkata’s Eden Gardens. This highly anticipated clash will mark the beginning of another thrilling season of the Indian Premier League (IPL), with fans eager to see if KKR can defend their title.

KKR Aims for Another Strong Season Under New Leadership

After securing their third IPL title in 2024 under Shreyas Iyer, KKR has revamped its leadership for the 2025 season. Ajinkya Rahane will lead the team as the new captain, with Venkatesh Iyer as his deputy. Notably, KKR made a strategic move by re-signing Venkatesh for ₹23.75 crore after initially releasing him before the mega auction.

The franchise has also strengthened its bowling attack with the addition of Umran Malik, one of the fastest pacers in Indian cricket. However, they faced a setback in their attempt to retain Phil Salt, who was snapped up by RCB. Despite this, KKR has a solid wicketkeeping duo in Quinton de Kock and Rahmanullah Gurbaz, adding depth to their squad.

KKR IPL 2025 Full Schedule

MAR 22, SAT – 7:30 pm IST | Kolkata Knight Riders vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru | Eden Gardens, Kolkata

MAR 26, WED – 7:30 pm IST | Rajasthan Royals vs Kolkata Knight Riders | Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati

MAR 31, MON – 7:30 pm IST | Mumbai Indians vs Kolkata Knight Riders | Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai

APR 3, THU – 7:30 pm IST | Kolkata Knight Riders vs Sunrisers Hyderabad | Eden Gardens, Kolkata

APR 6, SUN – 3:30 pm IST | Kolkata Knight Riders vs Lucknow Super Giants | Eden Gardens, Kolkata

APR 11, FRI – 7:30 pm IST | Chennai Super Kings vs Kolkata Knight Riders | MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai

APR 15, TUE – 7:30 pm IST | Punjab Kings vs Kolkata Knight Riders | New PCA Stadium, New Chandigarh

APR 21, MON – 7:30 pm IST | Kolkata Knight Riders vs Gujarat Titans | Eden Gardens, Kolkata

APR 26, SAT – 7:30 pm IST | Kolkata Knight Riders vs Punjab Kings | Eden Gardens, Kolkata

APR 29, TUE – 7:30 pm IST | Delhi Capitals vs Kolkata Knight Riders | Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi

MAY 4, SUN – 3:30 pm IST | Kolkata Knight Riders vs Rajasthan Royals | Eden Gardens, Kolkata

MAY 7, WED – 7:30 pm IST | Kolkata Knight Riders vs Chennai Super Kings | Eden Gardens, Kolkata

MAY 10, SAT – 7:30 pm IST | Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Kolkata Knight Riders | Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad

MAY 17, SAT – 7:30 pm IST | Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Kolkata Knight Riders | M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru

Can KKR Defend Their Title?

With a revamped squad and new leadership, KKR is set for a competitive season. Their first match against RCB will set the tone for their campaign as they aim for back-to-back IPL titles. Fans can expect high-octane cricket as the IPL 2025 season unfolds.