⁠Top Player Battles to Watch in Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) IPL 2025

The IPL 2025 season opener will happen between defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, on March 22 at 7:30 PM IST.

Kolkata Knight Riders are keeping their eye on defending their title and starting their campaign on a high note. On the other hand, RCB will aim to overcome their past struggles and make a strong start to this season. The most thrilling opening match will be the key player battles, as top stars face off in crucial matchups.

Let’s take a look at the top three player battles to watch in KKR vs RCB.

Virat Kohli vs Sunil Narine

, the cornerstone of the batting order for RCB, will go once again against his long-time opponent, Sunil Narine. The spinner for KKR has troubled Kohli in past encounters due to the clever, variations, and bowling accuracy of his pace. Kohli’s brutalizing mentality during the powerplay will again be tested by Narine’s brutally tight line and deceptive spin.

Head-to-Head Stats:

• Balls faced: 118
• Runs scored: 127
• Dismissed: 4 times
• Average: 31.75
• Strike rate: 107

We shall see who claims victory during this battle: Kohli’s comfortable and masterful stroke play against Narine’s unplayable deliveries!

Ajinkya Rahane vs Bhuvneshwar Kumar

Ajinkya Rahane, who was just named KKR captain, has never been very successful against Bhuvneshwar Kumar. Rahane may face problems with Bhuvneshwar’s ability to swing the new ball, which could put Rahane in trouble early in the innings.

Head-to-Head Stats:

• Balls faced: 117
• Runs scored: 104
• Dismissed: 7 times
• Average: 14.8
• Strike rate: 88.88

Rahane will need to be cautious at the top of the innings with Bhuvneshwar, who will be the leader of the RCB’s pace attack.

Phil Salt vs Varun Chakravarthy

One of the most thrilling battles will be between the former KKR stars Phil Salt and Varun Chakravarthy. Both played for KKR last year, but while Phil Salt was taken by RCB in the IPL 2025 Auction when he was released from KKR, Chakravarthy remained with KKR.

In the latest England tour of India, Varun managed to get Salt’s wickets, putting him in a better position. Can Phil Salt shift the momentum or will Varun Chakravarthy continue to have the upper hand?