IPL 2025 Kicks Off on March 22 – KKR vs RCB to Open Season, Final in Kolkata on May 25

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 is set to commence on March 22, featuring a high-stakes opening clash between defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. This fixture is already generating significant buzz, as it will mark Rajat Patidar’s first-ever match as RCB’s captain, a move that has raised both excitement and skepticism among fans.

The season promises plenty of drama, with new captains, fresh team strategies, and an expanded roster of venues. Last season’s runners-up Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) will play their first match on March 23 against Rajasthan Royals (RR) at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Uppal, kicking off their quest to claim their second IPL trophy.

IPL 2025 Final at Eden Gardens on May 25

Though the BCCI has yet to officially release the full IPL 2025 schedule, inside sources confirm that the final will be hosted at Eden Gardens on May 25, following the tradition of holding the final in the defending champion’s city.

Initially, the tournament was set to begin on March 23, but after broadcaster requests, the start date was moved up by one day, to March 22. With franchises already receiving key match dates, the full schedule is expected to be released soon.

IPL 2025 Expands to 12 Host Cities

In a significant change, IPL 2025 will feature matches across 12 cities, including some new and returning venues.

Confirmed Host Cities:

Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, Lucknow, Mullanpur, Delhi, Jaipur, Kolkata, and Hyderabad.
New host cities: Guwahati & Dharamsala.

This marks a major expansion, providing more fans across India the opportunity to witness IPL action live in their hometowns.

Key New Venues & Matches:

Guwahati – Making its IPL debut as Rajasthan Royals’ second home venue, hosting two crucial matches:

• March 26: Rajasthan Royals Kolkata Knight Riders (Evening match)
• March 30: Rajasthan Royals Chennai Super Kings (Evening match)

Dharamsala – A returning host city, set to stage at least two matches, with the possibility of adding a third fixture. Punjab Kings will once again use Dharamsala as their second home ground.

With the expansion to Guwahati, IPL continues its trend of taking cricket to newer regions, ensuring more fan engagement across India.

IPL 2025 Playoffs: Venues & Hosting Cities

Playoff venues have been confirmed, with two cities set to host the knockout matches:
Hyderabad – Hosts Qualifier 1 and the Eliminator.
Kolkata – Hosts Qualifier 2 and the Final.

This means that Hyderabad will see two of the most crucial encounters, while Eden Gardens will once again host a high-stakes IPL Final, adding to its rich cricketing history.

Major Talking Points Heading Into IPL 2025

Can Kolkata Knight Riders Defend Their Title?

After their dominant performance in IPL 2024, Kolkata Knight Riders are back to defend their crown under Shreyas Iyer’s captaincy. With a balanced squad including match-winners like Sunil Narine, Andre Russell, and Varun Chakravarthy, KKR will aim to become just the third team in IPL history to win back-to-back titles.

Will RCB’s Leadership Gamble on Rajat Patidar Pay Off?

The biggest shock of the pre-season came when RCB announced Rajat Patidar as their new captain, passing over former captain Virat Kohli. With eight different captains in RCB’s IPL history, the franchise is still chasing its elusive first IPL trophy.

Can Patidar handle the leadership pressure and finally guide RCB to their long-awaited championship?

Sunrisers Hyderabad – Can They Redeem Themselves?

SRH had a brilliant run in IPL 2024 but fell short in the final against KKR. Led by Pat Cummins, they will look to finish what they started last season and claim their second IPL trophy.

CSK’s New Captain – Can Gaikwad Fill Dhoni’s Shoes?

For the first time in nearly two decades, MS Dhoni won’t be CSK’s full-time captain. The torch has now passed to Ruturaj Gaikwad, who faces the massive challenge of leading one of the most successful franchises in IPL history.

Will Gaikwad prove himself as CSK’s future leader, or will Dhoni still play a big role behind the scenes?

Who Will Lead Delhi Capitals and Kolkata Knight Riders?

Both Delhi Capitals (DC) and KKR have yet to confirm their captains, adding an extra layer of suspense.

DC released Rishabh Pant, with reports suggesting that KL Rahul is a strong candidate to take over as captain.
KKR might appoint either Venkatesh Iyer or Ajinkya Rahane to lead them in IPL 2025.

What to Expect from IPL 2025?

With several teams undergoing leadership changes, new venues, and fresh young talent emerging, IPL 2025 promises to be an unpredictable and thrilling season.

Things to Watch Out For:

New Captains Taking Charge – With Rajat Patidar (RCB) and Ruturaj Gaikwad (CSK) stepping up, how will they fare in their first season as full-time leaders?
Impact of Expanded Venues – With Guwahati and Dharamsala hosting more matches, will this lead to home advantage for Rajasthan Royals and Punjab Kings?
Battle for Playoff Spots – With 10 teams fighting for the top four spots, expect a fierce race for the playoffs in the final weeks of the league stage.

Can RCB Finally Break Their Curse?

With KKR looking to defend their title, RCB banking on their bold captaincy choice, and CSK entering a new era, IPL 2025 is poised to be one of the most exciting seasons in the tournament’s history.

Who do you think will win IPL 2025? Will KKR defend their title, or is this the year RCB finally lifts their first trophy?