The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 is back on track after a hiatus due to tensions between India and Pakistan. The league was temporarily suspended for a week, and now it recommences with an exciting face-off between Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) set for this Saturday (May 17). The match is scheduled to take place at 7:30 PM IST at Bangalore's vibrant M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.
All Eyes on Kohli
All eyes will be on RCB's star batsman, Virat Kohli, as he returns to play his first match post his surprising retirement from Test cricket. Fans are expected to chant 'Kohli-Kohli' throughout this engaging encounter, with many possibly donning white jerseys as a mark of respect for King Kohli. After his unexpected decision to step down from Tests, Kohli is determined to deliver a commanding performance on the field.
RCB holds an apparent upper hand over KKR. Their captain, Rajat Patidar, who was injured during a match against Chennai Super Kings (CSK), is back in action, bringing good news for RCB. Moreover, most of RCB's international players, including Phil Salt, Lungi Ngidi, Tim David, Liam Livingstone, and Romario Shepherd, are ready for selection. However, the injury absence of fast bowler Josh Hazlewood could pose a challenge for their bowling attack.
KKR, on the other hand, has been let down by its batting lineup. Beyond captain Ajinkya Rahane and young talent Ankush Raghuvanshi, consistency has been elusive. They will be pinning hopes on big names like Venkatesh Iyer, Andre Russell, and Rinku Singh to step up. Despite missing English all-rounder Moeen Ali, who is out due to viral fever, their bowling unit, composed of Varun Chakravarthy, Sunil Narine, Vaibhav Arora, and Harshit Rana, will be crucial.
Predicted Playing XI for Royal Challengers Bangalore:
Virat Kohli, Phil Salt, Mayank Agarwal, Rajat Patidar (Captain), Jitesh Sharma (Wicketkeeper), Tim David, Krunal Pandya, Romario Shepherd, Lungi Ngidi, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Yash Dayal.
Predicted Playing XI for Kolkata Knight Riders:
Rahmanullah Gurbaz (Wicketkeeper), Sunil Narine, Ajinkya Rahane (Captain), Ankush Raghuvanshi, Manish Pandey, Rinku Singh, Andre Russell, Ramandeep Singh, Anukul Roy, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakravarthy.
Fantasy Cricket Best Picks:
Phil Salt, Virat Kohli (Vice-Captain), Rajat Patidar, Ajinkya Rahane, Ankush Raghuvanshi, Sunil Narine (Captain), Krunal Pandya, Andre Russell, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakravarthy.
In the IPL 2025 points table, Royal Challengers Bangalore currently hold the second spot with 16 points, thanks to 8 wins out of 11 matches. A victory here would cement their place in the playoffs. In contrast, Kolkata Knight Riders stand sixth with 11 points from 12 matches. A defeat to RCB could dash their playoff hopes completely.
Source: aajtak
RCB vs KKR Head-to-Head in IPL
RCB and KKR have clashed in the IPL 35 times, with Kolkata winning 20 matches and RCB triumphing in 15. This season marks their second encounter—the previous one on March 22, 2025, at Eden Gardens ended with RCB clinching victory by 7 wickets.
Royal Challengers Bangalore Squad:
Phil Salt, Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar (Captain), Mayank Agarwal, Jitesh Sharma (Wicketkeeper), Tim David, Krunal Pandya, Romario Shepherd, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Suyash Sharma, Josh Hazlewood, Yash Dayal, Rasikh Salam Dar, Manoj Bhandage, Jacob Bethell, Swapnil Singh, Liam Livingstone, Nuwan Thushara, Lungi Ngidi, Mohit Rathi, Swastik Chikara, Abhinandan Singh.
Kolkata Knight Riders Squad:
Ajinkya Rahane (Captain), Manish Pandey, Ankush Raghuvanshi, Rinku Singh, Lavneeth Sisodia, Quinton de Kock, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Sunil Narine, Andre Russell, Ramandeep Singh, Anukul Roy, Venkatesh Iyer, Varun Chakravarthy, Harshit Rana, Vaibhav Arora, Mayank Markande, Umran Malik, Anrich Nortje, Spencer Johnson.
