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The most awaited 18th edition of the Indian Premier League is all set to commence on 22nd March, Saturday. This highly anticipated game will feature the defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders who are going to take on Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata at 7:30 PM Indian Standard Time (IST).

KKR announced the veteran Indian cricketer, Ajinkya Rahane as their skipper for IPL 2025. Likewise, Royal Challengers Bengaluru have confirmed their new skipper, Rajat Patidar, who’s gonna lead the side in the absence of Faf du Plessis.

However, the Bengaluru-based were still chasing for the maiden IPL title and a lot of hope from their fans will come along with them in this season as well. Hence, in this article, let’s have a look at the confirmed Playing XI of RCB against KKR in the opening match of IPL 2022.

Virat Kohli & Phil Salt to start the inning

The star Indian batter, Virat Kohli often remained as the match-winner across many occasions for RCB. He was the leading run-getter of the side in the previous season, scoring 741 runs at an average of well above 60s after getting featured in 15 innings.

Phil Salt who represented KKR in the previous season will play against them in IPL 2025. He is well known for his aggressive approach who can score runs at brisk pace for his team.

Skipper at No.3 position

The skipper of the side, Rajat Patidar will take charge by coming at number three for his team. Having featured in 27 games, the right-handed batter amassed 799 runs at an prolific strike rate of well around 160. Moreover, his ability to take on both spin and pace attack will help his side to set the tone in the middle overs of the game.

Middle-order

Liam Livingston, Jitesh Sharma and Tim David

Liam Livingston is one of the finest hitters of the ball who can give immense value in the middle-order for the side. With a staggering strike-rate of well around 160, he would be a game-changer once he gets the ball under his eyes.

Jitesh Sharma likewise Liam Livingston has the ability to clear the boundaries against quality bowlers of the game. Tim David on the other end, would look like a monster by coming down the order.

Tim David will be turning out for the Royals Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) after being released by Mumbai Indians ahead of the mega auction of IPL 2025. It will be interesting to see the batter who is coming from a BBL title win with Hobart Hurricanes.

All-rounders

Krunal Pandya & Swapnil Singh

Krunal Pandya is the kind of player who brings balance to the side with both the bat and the ball. He has an economy of well under 7 and also can play cameos whenever during crunch moments of the.

Swapnil Singh who has emerged as a promising all-rounder will bowl alongside Krunal Pandya and co. He also has the capability to play handful knocks which makes him a valuable player in the team.

Bowlers

Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood & Rasikh Salam

The veteran Indian pacer, Bhuvneshwar Kumar brings immense experience in the RCB bowling setup. He has featured in 176 matches and has picked 181 wickets with an economy of well under 8.

The Australian pacer, Josh Hazlewood will assist Bhuvneshwar Kumar from the other end, maintaining pressure on the opposition batters. RCB would be relying on him to get breakthroughs during regular intervals of the game.

Rasikh Salam is going to share the experience of both Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood which will help him to develop into a lethal pacer. RCB would like to see the young cricketer performing well in the upcoming game.

Impact Player

Devdutt Padikkal (while chasing target) & Yash Dayal (while defending total).

Devdutt Padikkal has once again got the opportunity to revive his career in RCB. His ability to convert his start into big scores and anchoring the game makes a vital choice for RCB.

With Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood on one end, Yash Dayal becomes more dangerous with the pace and variety of variations he has. Moreover, he can handle the immense pressure and can deliver whenever his team needs makes him an asset in high tense games.

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