RCB vs KKR: IPL 2025 Match Preview and Key Players
Match Overview
The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are set to clash with the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the 58th match of the IPL 2025. This exciting encounter will take place at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on May 17, 2025, starting at 07:30 PM IST.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru's Form
After a brief break, the IPL returns, and so does RCB, who are eager to secure their fifth consecutive win. Following a thrilling 2-run victory over the Chennai Super Kings, RCB currently holds 16 points from 11 matches, placing them second in the standings. A win against KKR would allow them to reclaim the top position.
Kolkata Knight Riders' Struggles
KKR's aspirations took a hit after a narrow 2-wicket loss to the Chennai Super Kings. Positioned sixth in the league, their chances of advancing in the tournament appear slim. Despite retaining key players for IPL 2025, the team has struggled with consistency. They aim to finish the season on a high note and build momentum for the next year.
Pitch Conditions
The M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, previously known for its batting-friendly surface, has shifted dynamics in IPL 2025. The pitch now favors bowlers, with the average first innings score dropping from 183 in 2024 to just 158 this season. Off-spin bowlers are expected to thrive on this slower wicket.
Head-to-Head Record at M Chinnaswamy
| RCB vs KKR head-to-head at M Chinnaswamy | |
| Matches Played | 13 |
| Won by Royal Challengers Bengaluru | 4 |
| Won by Kolkata Knight Riders | 9 |
| No Result | 0 |
| Tied | 0 |
Probable Playing XI
Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Jacob Bethell, Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar (c), Romario Shepherd, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Tim David, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Lungi Ngidi, Yash Dayal, Suyash Sharma
(Impact Subs: Mayank Agarwal, Rasikh Salam, Manoj Bhandage, Romario Shepherd, Swapnil Singh)
Kolkata Knight Riders: Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Sunil Narine, Ajinkya Rahane (c), Rinku Singh, Andre Russell, Ramandeep Singh, Harshit Rana, Manish Pandey, Vaibhav Arora, Varun Chakravarthy, Anrich Nortje
(Impact Subs: Venkatesh Iyer, Anukul Roy, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Luvnith Sisodia, Mayank Markande)
Key Players to Watch
Top Wicketkeeper
- Jitesh Sharma | RCB: With 128 runs in 8 matches, including a top score of 40*, Jitesh is known for his aggressive batting style and finishing skills, making him a valuable fantasy pick.
Top Batters
- Virat Kohli | RCB: Currently the fourth-highest run-scorer in IPL 2025, Kohli has amassed 505 runs in 11 matches at an impressive average of 63.13. His recent form includes scores of 62, 63, 51, 70, and 73, making him a must-have in fantasy teams.
- Ajinkya Rahane | KKR: The KKR captain has scored 375 runs in 11 matches, averaging 37.50. He is the standout performer for his team this season and will look to maintain his aggressive approach.
Top All-Rounders
- Krunal Pandya | RCB: Krunal has been a key player this season, highlighted by his unbeaten 73 against DC. He also took a wicket in the last match, making him essential for fantasy lineups.
- Sunil Narine | KKR: Narine has contributed 215 runs and taken 10 wickets this season. Despite a wicketless outing in the last match, he remains a crucial player for KKR.
Top Bowlers
- Lungi Ngidi | RCB: Stepping up in the absence of Jos Hazlewood, Ngidi took three wickets against CSK and will aim for a repeat performance.
- Varun Chakravarthy | KKR: With 17 wickets in 12 matches, Chakravarthy has been a consistent wicket-taker for KKR, including two wickets in the last game against CSK.