KKR, the defending champions, are set to take on RCB in the first match of IPL 2025. Although the schedule has not been officially announced by the IPL, sources have revealed that Sunrisers Hyderabad, last year’s runners-up, will kick off their season at home against Rajasthan Royals on March 23rd in an afternoon match. The same evening, Chennai Super Kings are expected to host Mumbai Indians at Chepauk.
Following the Champions Trophy final on March 9, the forthcoming 10-team league will commence at 12 different venues. These include the traditional homes of the franchises, as well as secondary venues in Guwahati (for RR) and Dharamsala (for Punjab Kings).
The first match will showcase two squads with new leaders at the helm. RCB has chosen Rajat Patidar as their captain, whereas KKR has yet to reveal who will take over for Shreyas Iyer, who led them to victory in 2024. Last season, RCB ended up in fourth place after a series of six losses and six wins that secured their spot in the playoffs before losing in the Eliminator. Additionally, KKR has a strong record against RCB at Eden Gardens, winning eight out of 12 matches played there.
Shreyas and Ricky Ponting, the new captain and coach of PBKS, will have three of their home matches in Dharamsala this season – an increase from the usual two at the picturesque venue in Himachal Pradesh. The remaining four home games will be held in Mullanpur, Punjab.
