KKR vs RCB IPL 2025 Opener Preview: Varun Chakaravarthy Aims to “Crack the Code” at Eden Gardens

The much-anticipated opening clash of the TATA IPL 2025 is finally here, as defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) host Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) at the iconic Eden Gardens on March 22. With the Eden crowd ready to erupt in purple and gold, KKR are set to begin their title defence against one of their fiercest rivals.

Coming off a dominant 2024 season, KKR look stable, settled, and confident. One of the key architects of last season's success, Varun Chakaravarthy, shared his thoughts ahead of the opener touching on conditions, consistency, and the importance of locking in a core XI early in the campaign.

Varun Chakaravarthy on Finding Success Against RCB

Chakaravarthy has a stellar record against RCB and has consistently delivered key breakthroughs when facing the Bengaluru-based franchise. Asked about his repeated success, he downplayed any psychological edge and credited match situations.

“Nothing in specific,” said Chakaravarthy. “Just the situation of those matches which helped me pick wickets. In all those games, the conditions and the situations were completely favourable towards us, so I was able to extract the best possible result.”

With a career built around control and subtle variations, Chakaravarthy has grown into one of KKR's most reliable match-winners, especially in pressure moments. His battle with RCB’s top order could once again prove decisive.

Cracking the Code for Title Defence

Looking ahead to KKR’s prospects this season, Chakaravarthy emphasized the importance of finding the right balance early in the tournament.

“The squad looks good. I think it’s about cracking the code and having the best playing XI performing consistently. If we are able to get a set core in the first 3 matches, then we have great chances ahead in this season.”

KKR retained most of their title-winning core while adding depth in both batting and bowling departments. With Ajinkya Rahane leading the squad, the team appears to have clarity in roles, and early wins could help build momentum fast.

Lessons from International Cricket and a Push for Consistency

After a solid season with the Indian team, Chakaravarthy enters IPL 2025 with renewed confidence and a sharper skill set.

“The main thing is working on consistency, which is the toughest thing to master and I’m putting in constant work in order to achieve that,” he said. “And of course, I’m working on a few other deliveries which I'm hoping will come off nicely in the upcoming games.”

That growth could be crucial, especially in the middle overs where his control often stifles opposition batters.

Head-to-Head and Stats Edge

KKR hold a 20-14 head-to-head advantage over RCB and have won their last four encounters against them. Eden Gardens has often been a fortress for the Knight Riders, and their mix of experience and local conditions knowledge could tilt the balance again.

As the Knight Riders look to continue their dominance over RCB, a few individual milestones could be within reach:

• Vaibhav Arora is just 1 wicket away from 50 T20 wickets
• Sunil Narine needs 3 sixes to complete 100 IPL sixes
• Narine is also 2 wickets short of 200 wickets for KKR
• Andre Russell requires just 16 more runs to reach 2,500 IPL runs

What to Expect

RCB will walk in with a renewed look under Rajat Patidar’s captaincy, but will be wary of KKR’s track record against them. All eyes will naturally be on Virat Kohli, whose performances at Eden Gardens have always drawn the spotlight.

On the other side, the home team will rely on their proven match-winners Sunil Narine, Andre Russell, Varun Chakaravarthy, and Venkatesh Iyer to dictate terms.

Expect a high-energy clash filled with fireworks, strategic battles, and crowd-driven drama. With the IPL 2025 curtain rising in Kolkata, KKR will want to set the tone with a statement win, while RCB aim to spoil the party and begin their own redemption arc.

The Eden Gardens is ready. The fans are ready. The IPL is back.