IPL 2025, KKR vs RCB – Pitch and weather report: The highly anticipated opening match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) is under threat from unfavorable weather conditions in Kolkata. Scheduled to take place on Saturday, March 22, at the iconic Eden Gardens, the match and the grand opening ceremony may face disruptions due to forecasted rain and thunderstorms.
IPL 2025, KKR vs RCB: Weather report
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for Kolkata and surrounding areas, warning of thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds. The unpredictable weather is attributed to a trough extending from central Odisha to Vidarbha, combined with a wind confluence over eastern India and an anticyclonic circulation over the Bay of Bengal at lower tropospheric levels. These atmospheric conditions have led to scattered rainfall and unstable weather patterns across West Bengal.
With the orange alert in place until March 22, ground staff at Eden Gardens have taken precautionary measures by covering the playing area since Thursday. Both KKR and RCB had to cut short their practice sessions on Friday due to sporadic drizzle, adding to concerns about the match proceedings. If the rain persists, delays or even a washout cannot be ruled out.
Kolkata Weather Forecast for March 22
The Regional Meteorological Centre in Kolkata has predicted “thunderstorms with lightning and strong gusty surface winds” as highly likely throughout the day. The maximum temperature is expected to be around 29°C, while the minimum may drop to 22°C. Humidity levels are projected to be around 65%, further contributing to the moist and overcast conditions.
According to Accuweather.com, the hour-by-hour weather breakdown for match day is as follows:
- Morning (6 AM – 12 PM IST): Cloudy skies with intermittent showers are expected, with a 66% chance of precipitation peaking around 11 AM. This may impact the ground preparation and the opening ceremony setup.
- Afternoon (12 PM – 6 PM IST): The probability of rainfall is expected to decline to around 25%, offering a brief respite. However, overcast conditions may still persist.
- Evening (6 PM – 11 PM IST): The toss is scheduled for 7:00 PM IST, with match play starting at 7:30 PM IST. Initially, the rain threat appears lower, with only a 10% chance of precipitation. However, as the night progresses, the risk of rain increases again, with a 70% probability by 11 PM IST, potentially affecting the latter half of the match.
What happens if KKR vs RCB clash is washed out?
As per IPL regulations, there are no reserve days for group-stage matches. If rain forces an abandonment, both teams will be awarded one point each. This would be an unfortunate start for the much-awaited tournament, leaving fans and players disappointed.
IPL 2025, KKR vs RCB: Pitch report
The Eden Gardens pitch has traditionally been a batting paradise, offering true bounce and favoring stroke play. However, given the prevailing wet conditions, the surface could become slower, assisting spinners and pacers who can extract movement from the damp pitch. Unlike Bengaluru or Hyderabad, which have historically produced high-scoring encounters, the conditions in Kolkata might pose an added challenge for batters this season.
IPL 2025, KKR vs RCB: Dream11 prediction
Kolkata Knight Riders hold an advantage with their familiarity with the Eden Gardens pitch. However, Royal Challengers Bengaluru boast a strong squad and are expected to put up a tough fight. Ultimately, the outcome will hinge on which team delivers a better bowling performance. KKR are likely to emerge victorious.
Kolkata Knight Riders: Quinton de Kock (wk), Sunil Narine, Ajinkya Rahane (c), Venkatesh Iyer, Rinku Singh, Andre Russell, Ramandeep Singh, Harshit Rana, Spencer Johnson, Vaibhav Arora, Varun Chakravarthy.
Impact Player: Angkrish Raghuvanshi
Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Virat Kohli, Phil Salt (wk), Rajat Patidar (c), Jitesh Sharma, Liam Livingstone, Tim David, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Suyash Sharma, Josh Hazlewood, Yash Dayal.
Impact Player: Rasikh Dar Salam
IPL 2025, KKR vs RCB: AI Prediction – Who’ll win today’s match at Eden Gardens?
ChatGPT: “RCB have the batting firepower, but KKR’s home advantage, balanced squad, and well-suited bowling attack give them the edge at Eden Gardens. Unless RCB posts a big total or Kohli delivers a masterclass, KKR are likely to clinch a close win.”
Google Gemini: “KKR will triumph if their batting fires and spinners capitalize on pitch conditions. RCB’s chances depend on their star batsmen and bowlers containing KKR’s lineup. A thrilling contest is on the cards.”
Grok: “KKR’s familiarity with Eden, superior head-to-head record, and well-rounded squad make them favorites. RCB’s batting can keep it competitive, but they’ll need something extraordinary to win. My pick: Kolkata Knight Riders.”