๐๐๐๐๐ :โ Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Kolkata Knight Riders
๐๐๐๐ : May 17,Saturdayโ
๐๐๐๐ : 19:30 PM ISTโโ
๐๐๐๐๐ :โ M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru, India
๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ :โ Indian Premier League 2025
Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Kolkata Knight Riders last faced each other in the IPL 2025 season opener, where RCB cruised to a 7-wicket victory.
- RCB will have to likely finish the tournament without Josh Hazlewood, whoโs out with a shoulder niggleโan untimely setback for the team.
- KKRโs path to the playoffs is hanging by a thread. They not only need to win both upcoming matches by hefty margins but also rely on other results swinging their way.
- If KKR wants to keep their hopes alive, theyโll need strong performances with both bat and ball from Sunil Narine and Andre Russell.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Kolkata Knight Riders
TV channels: The fans can watch the match live on Hotstar
Live Streaming: Live streaming of the match will be available on the FAFA191 Cricket Exchange India and website.
RCB vs KKR Match Prediction & Analysis
After a short pause, IPL 2025 is back with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) set to take on Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the Chinnaswamy Stadium. RCB have had a strong run this season, sitting in second place with 16 points from 11 matches and all but through to the playoffs. KKR, on the other hand, are sixth with 11 points from 12 games and are in must-win territory. A defeat here would shut the door on their playoff chances. RCB, riding high on form, have the upper hand going into this clash.
TEAMS PREVIEW
Royal Challengers Bengaluru Preview
RCB have been clinical this season and now find themselves just one win away from locking in a playoff spot. With most of their overseas players back in the mix after the break, theyโll feel good about their chances as the tournament picks up again.
Virat Kohli has been in outstanding touch, scoring 505 runs from 11 innings at an average of 63.12 and a strike rate of 143.46. Heโs the one to watch, especially against KKRโa team heโs scored 1021 runs against in 32 innings at 40.84.
Phil Salt, who had to sit out due to illness and opened the door for Jacob Bethellโs debut, is expected to be available for the rest of IPL 2025. Thatโs a big lift for RCB since Salt is capable of firing early in the innings.
Captain Rajat Patidar has stepped up with 239 runs in 10 innings, scoring at a brisk 140.58.
Down the order, RCB will look to Tim David and Romario Shepherd to finish with fire. Shepherdโs knock against Chennai Super Kingsโan unbeaten 53 off 14โwas a reminder of what he can do.
Josh Hazlewood missing out is a tough pill to swallow, given how central heโs been with the ball. Still, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Krunal Pandya have chipped in with wickets and bring some experience.
Kolkata Knight Riders Preview
Kolkata Knight Riders, the defending champs, have had a bumpy run this seasonโjust five wins against six losses from 12 matches puts them sixth on the table. With two games left and a net run rate of 0.193, theyโll need strong wins and a bit of luck from other fixtures to stay in the playoff picture.
The batting order hasnโt really clicked. Ajinkya Rahane stands out with 375 runs in 11 innings, while the rest have been patchy at best. Quinton de Kock was dropped in favor of Rahmanullah Gurbaz, but the swap hasnโt paid off yet.
Sunil Narine has had a few quick-fire knocks at the top, though he hasnโt found much consistency. Andre Russell, on the other hand, looks to be back in formโscoring 38 off 21 and following it up with a blazing 57* off 25 in the last two games.
Angkrish Raghuvanshi has added real valueโ286 runs in 10 innings at an average of 35.75 and a strike rate of 145.17. With Venkatesh Iyer injured in the previous match, Manish Pandey stepped in and delivered a calm 36* off 28, likely keeping him in the XI moving forward.
Weather Conditions
Batters usually enjoy themselves at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, thanks to a pitch thatโs typically flat and reliableโjust right for clearing the ropes. If thereโs something in it for spinners, it tends to show up in the middle overs, as was the case in the last match at this venue. But unless the surface changes drastically, bowlers wonโt have much to work with.
Rain could be an issue in Bengaluru on Saturday, with a 76% chance of showers and a possible thunderstorm in the afternoon. That means we could be looking at a delayed start or a game that keeps getting interrupted.
At M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, teams batting first typically average 168 runs. But this venue often delivers big scores – Sunrisers Hyderabad smashed 287 against RCB here in IPL 2024, setting a new tournament record. For this match, the side batting first will likely aim for 200-210 to feel comfortable.
Toss: To Bat
The last two matches played at the Chinnaswamy was won by the team batting first. This might prompt both captains to bat first in this game.
