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The IPL 2025 returns with a blockbuster clash between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the iconic M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Saturday, May 17, 2025 . RCB, sitting comfortably in second place with 16 points from 11 matches , are all but confirmed playoff contenders. In contrast, KKR, placed sixth with 11 points from 12 games , face a must-win situation to keep their tournament hopes alive. With contrasting form lines and a historic head-to-head edge for KKR, this match promises fireworks.
Match Details
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Match No. | 58 |
| Date & Time | May 17, 2025 |
| Venue | M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru |
| Teams | Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Kolkata Knight Riders |
| Tournament | Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 |
| Live Broadcast | Star Sports / Disney+ Hotstar |
| Weather Forecast | High chance of rain (76%), thunderstorms expected in afternoon |
Team Previews
Royal Challengers Bengaluru Preview
Royal Challengers Bengaluru have enjoyed one of their best IPL campaigns in recent memory. They sit second in the points table with 16 points from 11 matches , needing just one more win to confirm their playoff spot. Virat Kohli has been the star of the show, scoring 505 runs at an average of 63.12 and strike rate of 143.46 , including a blistering 62 off 33 balls in the last game. He’s also terrorized KKR historically, having scored over 1000 runs against them .
Phil Salt is back after illness, offering explosive starts at the top. Jacob Bethell impressed during his debut, and Rajat Patidar continues to anchor the innings with 239 runs at SR 140.58 . Lower-order firepower comes from Tim David and Romario Shepherd , the latter recently scoring an unbeaten 53 off 14 balls .
In bowling, Josh Hazlewood’s absence is a big blow, but Yash Dayal , Rasikh Dar , and Lungi Ngidi have stepped up. Krunal Pandya offers control and late hitting. However, consistency remains a concern, especially under pressure. A strong performance here could seal RCB’s place in the playoffs.
Kolkata Knight Riders Preview
Defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders have had a disappointing season so far, winning only five of their 12 matches and currently placed sixth. Their net run rate of +0.193 leaves them on the brink — they need wins in both remaining matches and help from other results to qualify.
Ajinkya Rahane has been their standout batter with 375 runs in 11 innings , providing stability at the top. Andre Russell appears to be returning to form with scores of 38 and 57* in the last two games. Angkrish Raghuvanshi has impressed with 286 runs at SR 145.17 , while Manish Pandey contributed a crucial 36* in the last match.
The bowling unit has held its own. Harshit Rana and Vaibhav Arora have shared 31 wickets , though they’ve struggled with economy in death overs. Varun Chakravarthy and Sunil Narine offer control in the middle overs. The addition of Anrich Nortje or Spencer Johnson could provide extra pace. If KKR can find early breakthroughs and get contributions from their lower order, they still have a fighting chance.
Favourite Team to Win Today’s Match
| Team | Why? |
|---|---|
| Royal Challengers Bengaluru | RCB enter this match as clear favorites due to their superior form, better batting depth, and home advantage. KKR’s inconsistent performances and pressure-filled situation make it difficult to back them in such a high-stakes encounter. |
Fantasy Team XI
| Player | Role | Team |
|---|---|---|
| Virat Kohli | Batter | RCB |
| Phil Salt | Batter | RCB |
| Ajinkya Rahane | Batter | KKR |
| Andre Russell | Batter | KKR |
| Romario Shepherd | Batter | RCB |
| Yash Dayal | Bowler | RCB |
| Harshit Rana | Bowler | KKR |
| Varun Chakravarthy | Bowler | KKR |
| Krunal Pandya | All-Rounder | RCB |
| Angkrish Raghuvanshi | Batter | KKR |
| Manish Pandey | Batter | KKR |
Explanation:
This fantasy team combines top-performing batters like Virat Kohli , Andre Russell , and Rahane , along with reliable bowlers like Harshit Rana and Yash Dayal . Players like Shepherd and Pandey add late-innings impact. Spinners like Chakravarthy remain valuable even on flat tracks due to their control and wicket-taking ability.
Captain & Vice-Captain Suggestions
| Role | Player | Team | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|
| Captain | Virat Kohli | Royal Challengers Bengaluru | Top run-getter; in great form and has a history of performing against KKR |
| Vice-Captain | Andre Russell | Kolkata Knight Riders | Dangerous finisher; capable of turning games single-handedly |
Players to Avoid in Fantasy Teams
| Player | Team | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Vaibhav Arora | Kolkata Knight Riders | Struggling with economy in death overs |
| Rasikh Dar | Royal Challengers Bengaluru | Inconsistent returns and not fully trusted in crunch situations |
Squad Lists
Royal Challengers Bengaluru Squad (Full List):
Virat Kohli, Phil Salt, Jacob Bethell, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar (c), Jitesh Sharma (wk), Tim David, Krunal Pandya, Romario Shepherd, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Yash Dayal, Rasikh Dar, Suyash Sharma, Liam Livingstone, Lungi Ngidi
Kolkata Knight Riders Squad (Full List):
Quinton de Kock (wk), Sunil Narine, Ajinkya Rahane (c), Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Andre Russell, Rinku Singh, Spencer Johnson, Anrich Nortje, Ramandeep Singh, Vaibhav Arora, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakravarthy, Manish Pandey
Probable Playing XI
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (PPI):
| Player | Role |
|---|---|
| Phil Salt | Opener |
| Virat Kohli | Batter |
| Rajat Patidar (c) | Batter |
| Jitesh Sharma (wk) | Wicket-Keeper |
| Tim David | Batter |
| Romario Shepherd | Batter |
| Krunal Pandya | All-Rounder |
| Yash Dayal | Bowler |
| Rasikh Dar | Bowler |
| Bhuvneshwar Kumar | Bowler |
| Lungi Ngidi | Bowler |
Kolkata Knight Riders (PPI):
| Player | Role |
|---|---|
| Quinton de Kock (wk) | Opener |
| Sunil Narine | Batter |
| Ajinkya Rahane (c) | Batter |
| Angkrish Raghuvanshi | Batter |
| Andre Russell | Batter |
| Rinku Singh | Batter |
| Harshit Rana | Bowler |
| Varun Chakravarthy | Bowler |
| Vaibhav Arora | Bowler |
| Spencer Johnson | Bowler |
| Manish Pandey | Batter |
Pitch Report – M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru
The pitch at Chinnaswamy Stadium is known for being batting-friendly , with flat bounce and short boundaries making life tough for bowlers. Spinners usually get some assistance in the middle overs, but otherwise, it’s a paradise for stroke-makers. The average first-innings score is around 168 , but teams often chase down totals above 200 comfortably. With dew playing a role later in the night, chasing might be easier , but batting first gives a psychological edge .
Toss Prediction
Prediction: Royal Challengers Bengaluru to win the toss
Decision: Likely to bat first , aiming to post a massive total and take advantage of favorable batting conditions.
Winner Prediction
With superior form, a settled lineup, and home advantage , Royal Challengers Bengaluru are strong favorites to clinch another vital win and move closer to the playoffs. Kolkata Knight Riders , although experienced, have shown inconsistency and will need individual brilliance to pull off an upset.
Predicted Winner: Royal Challengers Bengaluru
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