Eden Set for High-Scoring IPL Opener Amidst Rain Threat

Not since Brendon McCullum’s unforgettable 158* has an IPL opening night promised a storm quite like the one in store for the 2025 season.

And this time, it’s not just metaphorical. An Orange Alert has been issued for match day in Kolkata, warning of heavy rain, strong winds, and even a thunderstorm. But if there’s one thing the city knows, it’s how to turn chaos into celebration. Rain has never stopped Pujo, and it certainly won’t stop thousands of fans from packing Eden Gardens, where the IPL opening ceremony makes its return after a decade.

That said, cricket is always at the mercy of the weather. A single stubborn wet patch could throw the night off course—but let’s not speak of such things. The big covers at Eden exist for a reason, and the ground staff are already working to shield the outfield from rain… and their covers from the heels of the performers.

The opening ceremony is scheduled to begin 45 minutes before the toss, but the real excitement starts when the cricket does. There’s always extra edge when KKR and RCB face off, no matter the venue. And this is Eden—a ground that thrives on both magic and meltdowns.

It’s where RCB were bowled out for 49—still the lowest total in IPL history.
It’s where Sunil Narine has often batted like a man possessed.
It’s where a furious Virat Kohli once lost his cool over a no-ball height call.
It’s where Andre Russell can take over a game in minutes and Varun Chakaravarthy’s mystery spin can change the tide.

Add to that the weight of past drama, and you start to understand just how much this fixture carries.

A Fortress No More

Eden Gardens is no longer the stronghold it once was. Since 2023, KKR have won just 50% of their home games—the same as RCB’s record at the Chinnaswamy.

That’s what makes this matchup so fascinating:

Two dangerous but inconsistent teams
Both packed with firepower
Both eager to kick off the new IPL cycle with a statement win

KKR boast the stronger spin attack; RCB, the more experienced pace unit. But this isn’t just about which team looks better on paper—it’s about whose strengths will shine when the music fades and the cricket begins.

No wonder RCB head coach Andy Flower called playing KKR at Eden “daunting… for Kolkata,” before breaking into a grin.

And that’s the thing about opening nights: they rarely go according to script. The sky may have its say, but if it holds off just long enough, this could be a night Eden won’t forget anytime soon.

Match Details

When: KKR vs RCB, Match 1, March 22, 2025, at 7:30 PM IST
Where: Eden Gardens, Kolkata

What to Expect:

A wet ball could be a key factor—whether from dew, rain, or a stray bit of saliva sneaking its way back into cricket.
Ample airtime for Eden’s massive white covers.
A predicted 4-5 degree temperature drop at night, which could lead to heavier dew and an immediate test of the new ball-change rule in the second innings.
A flat, fast, high-scoring pitch—since the home-away format returned in 2023, Eden Gardens has been the highest-scoring venue in the IPL, with a scoring rate of 9.98 runs per over, the highest for any ground with at least three games.

Recent Head-to-Head

Since the UAE leg of IPL 2021, KKR have dominated this rivalry, winning six of their last seven matches against RCB.

However, at Eden Gardens, the results are even—the last four encounters here have produced two wins each.

Team Watch

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)

Injuries/Availability:

Anrich Nortje is back after a back injury ruled him out of the SA20 and Champions Trophy, but with rain washing out both teams’ training sessions, his match readiness remains uncertain.
The bigger question: Does he even make the XI? With Spencer Johnson’s left-arm angle and variety, he might have the edge, especially considering Nortje’s modest IPL record outside the UAE.

Tactics & Matchups:

Mitchell Starc’s presence last season allowed KKR to backload Varun Chakaravarthy’s overs.
With no Starc this time—and limited new-ball options—KKR may be forced to frontload their spinners to compensate for the lack of early-impact seamers.

Probable XII:
Sunil Narine, Quinton de Kock (wk), Ajinkya Rahane (c), Venkatesh Iyer, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Rinku Singh, Andre Russell, Ramandeep Singh, Spencer Johnson, Vaibhav Arora, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakaravarthy.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)

Injuries/Availability:

Jacob Bethell and Josh Hazlewood underwent fitness tests two days before the match, and both appeared to come through unscathed.

(The rest of RCB’s section is missing. Let me know if you’d like it expanded!)

Final Thoughts

Rain or not, expect fireworks. If the weather holds, Eden Gardens could play host to a high-scoring thriller. And if history is any indication, this IPL opener could be one for the ages.