IPL 2025 Kickoff: KKR vs RCB to Open the Season at Eden Gardens

Mumbai Indians vs Chennai Super Kings Set for Blockbuster ‘El Clásico’ Clash in Chennai

New Delhi, February 15: The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season will kick off with a high-voltage clash between defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on March 22 at Eden Gardens, ESPNCricinfo reported on Saturday. The season finale is scheduled for May 25.

Although the official IPL 2025 schedule is yet to be announced, sources indicate that last year’s runners-up, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), will begin their campaign against Rajasthan Royals (RR) on March 23 in the afternoon fixture.

Later that evening, the much-anticipated ‘El Clásico’ of the IPL—Mumbai Indians (MI) vs Chennai Super Kings (CSK)—will take place at Chepauk, setting the stage for yet another thrilling edition of the league.

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🔹 10-Team Tournament Across 12 Venues

The 2025 IPL season will commence just 12 days after the ICC Champions Trophy final (March 9) and will be played across 12 venues, including:

📍 10 home venues for each franchise
📍 Dharamsala (second home for Punjab Kings)
📍 Guwahati (additional home venue for Rajasthan Royals)

The 2025 season will see RCB and KKR enter the tournament with new captains. While Rajat Patidar has been named RCB’s new leader, KKR is yet to announce their captain following Shreyas Iyer’s departure from the role.

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🔹 Key Fixtures to Watch Out For

🏏 March 22 (Season Opener) – KKR vs RCB at Eden Gardens
🏏 March 23 (Afternoon) – SRH vs RR
🏏 March 23 (Evening) – MI vs CSK at Chepauk (‘El Clásico’ of IPL)

The IPL’s three-time champions KKR will hold a historical edge over RCB, having defeated them eight times in 12 matches at Eden Gardens.

Meanwhile, Punjab Kings (PBKS), under new captain Shreyas Iyer and head coach Ricky Ponting, will play four matches at their new home ground in Mullanpur Stadium and three matches in Dharamsala.

With new captains, fresh team strategies, and high-stakes rivalries, IPL 2025 promises another action-packed season!

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