IPL 2025 Set to Begin on March 22 – KKR vs RCB Opener, Final at Eden Gardens on May 25
The 18th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2025) is all set to kick off on March 22, with a high-octane clash between defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. This match will be Rajat Patidar’s debut as RCB’s captain, following his recent appointment as the franchise’s leader.
The following day, March 23, will witness last season’s runners-up Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) taking on Rajasthan Royals (RR) at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Uppal. These two opening fixtures promise to set the tone for another thrilling IPL season.
IPL 2025 Final to be Held at Eden Gardens on May 25
Though the BCCI is yet to officially announce the full IPL schedule, reports suggest that the final will be hosted at Eden Gardens on May 25, following the tradition of holding the final in the reigning champion’s home city.
Initially, IPL 2025 was supposed to start on March 23, but after requests from broadcasters, the tournament will now commence a day earlier, on March 22.
IPL 2025 to Feature Matches in 12 Cities
This season, IPL will be played across 12 cities, adding new venues to the mix.
Confirmed Host Cities:
🏟 Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, Lucknow, Mullanpur, Delhi, Jaipur, Kolkata, and Hyderabad.
🏟 New host cities: Guwahati & Dharamsala.
🔹 Guwahati makes its IPL debut as Rajasthan Royals’ second home venue, hosting two matches:
📆 March 26 – Rajasthan Royals 🆚 Kolkata Knight Riders
📆 March 30 – Rajasthan Royals 🆚 Chennai Super Kings
🔹 Dharamsala will host Punjab Kings’ home matches, with at least two to three games scheduled at the venue.
IPL 2025 Playoff Venues Announced
🚨 IPL 2025 Playoff Venues:
✔️ Hyderabad – Hosts Qualifier 1 and the Eliminator.
✔️ Kolkata – Hosts Qualifier 2 and the Final.
This means that the tournament’s most crucial matches will be played at some of the biggest and most historic venues in Indian cricket.
Major Talking Points Ahead of IPL 2025
Can KKR Defend Their Title?
Kolkata Knight Riders were dominant in IPL 2024, securing their third championship under Shreyas Iyer’s leadership. With key players like Sunil Narine, Andre Russell, and Varun Chakravarthy returning, they will aim to retain their title.
Will RCB’s Leadership Gamble on Rajat Patidar Pay Off?
RCB surprised fans by naming Rajat Patidar as their captain, passing over Virat Kohli, who was widely expected to reclaim the role. The franchise has had eight different captains over the years, but will Patidar be the one to finally deliver their long-awaited IPL trophy?
Can Sunrisers Hyderabad Go One Step Further?
SRH had a strong IPL 2024, reaching the final under Pat Cummins’ leadership. With a well-balanced squad, they will be eager to redeem themselves and lift the trophy in 2025.
CSK’s New Captain – Will Gaikwad Shine Under Dhoni’s Shadow?
With MS Dhoni stepping down from full-time captaincy, Ruturaj Gaikwad will take over as CSK’s leader. Can he successfully lead CSK, or will Dhoni still have to guide the team from behind the scenes?
Uncertainty Over DC and KKR’s Captains
While RCB has named Patidar as captain, both Delhi Capitals (DC) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are yet to confirm their leaders.
🔹 KL Rahul is rumored to be DC’s next captain.
🔹 KKR might appoint Venkatesh Iyer or Ajinkya Rahane as their new leader.
What to Expect in IPL 2025?
IPL 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting seasons yet, with:
✔️ New captains leading major teams.
✔️ More venues, including Guwahati and Dharamsala.
✔️ A growing list of emerging young players.
✔️ A fierce playoff battle.
With everything falling into place, fans are in for an electrifying season of cricket!
Who Will Reign Supreme in IPL 2025?
With KKR looking to defend their title, RCB betting on Patidar as captain, and CSK entering a new era under Gaikwad, IPL 2025 is guaranteed to be a season filled with surprises and drama.
🚨 Who do you think will win IPL 2025? Will RCB finally lift their first trophy, or will KKR dominate again? Drop your predictions below!
