Eden Gardens set for an electrifying IPL opener, with KKR defending their title and Virat Kohli leading RCB’s charge
📍 Kolkata, March 17 – The 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) is set to begin in grand style as defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) take on Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the tournament opener on March 22 at the iconic Eden Gardens. With KKR looking to defend their crown and Virat Kohli leading RCB’s charge, the first game promises to be a high-voltage encounter.
Adding to the excitement, the season opener will feature a special opening ceremony, which, according to Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) President Snehasish Ganguly, will be a spectacle for cricket fans.
🗣️ “We will have an opening ceremony, though we don’t know who all are performing yet. A written confirmation is not there, but definitely, it will be a good opening ceremony as usual. Overall, it will be a beautiful IPL opening day for the people of Kolkata.” – Snehasish Ganguly
🔹 Opening Ceremony Details
📅 Date: March 22, 2025
📍 Venue: Eden Gardens, Kolkata
🕒 Duration: 25 minutes (tentative)
🎭 Performers: To be announced
Ganguly assured that despite the compact time slot of 25 minutes, the event will be a grand affair, setting the perfect stage for IPL 2025.
🔹 Eden Gardens: The Ultimate Cricket Destination
🏟️ Often referred to as the ‘Mecca of Indian Cricket’, Eden Gardens holds a special place in the hearts of players and fans alike.
🗣️ “Every player wants to play cricket in Eden Gardens. Even many people just want to see Eden Gardens,” Ganguly emphasized, highlighting the stadium’s legendary status.
✔️ Pitch Preparation:
The ground staff is ensuring three to four quality pitches are ready for the tournament, promising a high-scoring and entertaining encounter.
🔹 KKR vs RCB: The Battle Begins
🔹 Defending Champions KKR: Kolkata Knight Riders are gearing up to defend their IPL title, with a stronger squad compared to last season.
🔹 RCB’s Kohli Factor: With Virat Kohli in the mix, RCB will look to start strong and break their trophy drought.
💬 Ganguly’s Support for KKR:
🗣️ “As an individual, I will support Kolkata. Last year, they played well. I feel it is a better team than last year.”
However, he acknowledged the highly competitive nature of IPL, adding, “All teams are balanced in the IPL.”
🔹 IPL: A Game-Changer for Indian Cricket
Reflecting on the tournament’s influence, Ganguly summed it up perfectly:
🗣️ “IPL has changed Indian cricket.”
With the excitement building up, the IPL 2025 opening match is set to deliver fireworks, both on and off the field!