KKR vs RCB Weather | IPL 2025 Season-Opener Under Rain Threat at Eden Gardens | KKR vs RCB Full Squad for Today

KKR vs RCB, IPL 2025 Weather Report: Opening Match at Eden Gardens Under Threat Due to Rain

Unsettled Weather in Kolkata May Delay Start of IPL 2025 Season

Kolkata, March 21, 2025 – As anticipation builds for the blockbuster IPL 2025 season-opener between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at Eden Gardens, there’s a looming concern that rain could play spoilsport on Saturday, March 22.

According to weather updates from AccuWeather and the Regional Meteorological Centre in Kolkata, the city is expected to experience moderate to heavy rainfall with thunderstorms and gusty winds leading into matchday. With the covers already on at the iconic Eden Gardens and both teams having to cancel their final practice sessions due to the wet conditions, the threat of a delayed start or even a washout has become very real.

IT'S RAINING AT EDEN GARDENS CURRENTLY. ????️ pic.twitter.com/mFaRXzSMgy

— Tanuj Singh (@ImTanujSingh) March 21, 2025

Weather Forecast for March 22 in Kolkata

Showers are expected in the early morning and may persist till noon, with humidity and cloud cover remaining high into the afternoon. While there is still hope that the rain will ease off before the scheduled start in the evening, the forecast suggests that intermittent rainfall and thunderstorms could continue, raising concerns over ground conditions and match readiness.

Rain Forces Practice Cancellations and Concerns Over Opening Ceremony

Both franchises were forced to call off their practice sessions on March 21 due to steady rain, and with less than 24 hours left for the big curtain-raiser, the Eden Gardens ground staff has been busy protecting the pitch and outfield with full covers.

The planned opening ceremony a grand event meant to set the stage for the 18th edition of the Indian Premier League is also under threat. With fans expected to turn up in large numbers, the weather has dampened the mood ahead of what was expected to be a carnival-like atmosphere in Kolkata.

SRK Arrives in the City, But Will Rain Let the Show Begin

Bollywood superstar and KKR owner Shah Rukh Khan landed in Kolkata earlier in the day to join the team ahead of the opening clash. While his presence has added star power to the occasion, the spotlight now shifts to the skies, with the city’s loyal fans hoping for some respite from the rain in time for toss.

IPL History at Stake: Could the Season-Opener Be Washed Out for the First Time?

A complete washout in the season-opening match would be a first in IPL history. While previous editions have seen weather interruptions, never has the very first match of a season been called off. Should that happen, both teams will be forced to share one point each, which would be a disappointing start for two franchises aiming for momentum right from the beginning.

A New Era of Leadership Under Weather Pressure

Adding to the intrigue, both teams will be led by new captains this season Ajinkya Rahane for KKR and Rajat Patidar for RCB. The rain threat now presents them with a different kind of challenge: managing expectations, adapting to possible delays, and leading their sides effectively in potentially shortened conditions.

With the second ball rule introduced this season, another talking point will be how it might come into play if the match is shortened. Damp outfields and moisture in the pitch could influence bowling conditions significantly.

Full Squads: Who’s Ready for the Season Opener

Despite the weather, both squads remain primed for the big clash.

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) Squad:
Quinton de Kock (w), Sunil Narine, Ajinkya Rahane (c), Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Venkatesh Iyer, Rinku Singh, Andre Russell, Ramandeep Singh, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakaravarthy, Spencer Johnson, Vaibhav Arora, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Manish Pandey, Moeen Ali, Anrich Nortje, Rovman Powell, Anukul Roy, Mayank Markande, Chetan Sakariya, Luvnith Sisodia

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) Squad:
Virat Kohli, Philip Salt, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar (c), Jitesh Sharma (w), Liam Livingstone, Tim David, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, Yash Dayal, Swapnil Singh, Lungi Ngidi, Romario Shepherd, Manoj Bhandage, Rasikh Dar Salam, Nuwan Thushara, Jacob Bethell, Suyash Sharma, Mohit Rathee, Swastik Chikara, Abhinandan Singh

Match Streaming and Telecast Details

Fans can catch the KKR vs RCB season opener live on Star Sports Network and stream it digitally on the JioHotstar app, depending on weather clearance.

Final Word: All Eyes on the Clouds

With rain threatening to disrupt what was supposed to be a spectacular launch to IPL 2025, the cricketing world will be hoping for a break in the weather. The city of Kolkata, known for its passionate cricket fans and electric stadium atmosphere, will be eager to welcome cricket back with open arms if the rain gods allow it.

Stay tuned for live weather updates, toss time decisions, and potential changes to match schedules.