RCB vs KKR – Toss Update, Playing XI and Match Prediction

Check out the playing XI, toss result, pitch report, and match prediction for today’s RCB vs KKR IPL 2025 clash. Stay updated with key match insights and expert analysis.

After a dramatic week-long pause due to rising tensions between India and Pakistan, the IPL is back — and not a moment too soon. Just 17 games, including the playoffs, remain, and the race is getting intense. And what better way to resume than with a blockbuster: Kolkata Knight Riders vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru — the same matchup that opened the season back in March. Only now, the stakes are a whole lot higher. 

RCB are in prime position, sitting second on the table with 16 points from 11 matches. They’re eyeing that coveted top-two finish, which comes with a safety net in the playoffs. But it’s not all rosy. Trouble’s brewing on the availability front. English trio Jacob Bethell, Liam Livingstone, and Phil Salt are likely to leave before the knockouts, as the ECB has called them back early for the ODI series against West Indies starting May 29. To add to that, captain Rajat Patidar is nursing a finger injury and could miss a few games. 

Meanwhile, KKR’s campaign is already done and dusted in terms of playoff hopes. But they’re not going down without a fight. With nothing to lose, they’ll be playing for pride and momentum. The silver lining? Most of their overseas firepower is back. Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, and Rovman Powell have returned to training, along with team mentor Dwayne Bravo — a welcome boost for morale if nothing else. 

But honestly, all eyes will be on Virat Kohli when the teams walk out at the Chinnaswamy. RCB fans are planning something special — a “white-out” in the stands — to honor Kohli’s legendary Test career, which he officially called time on earlier this week. It promises to be a night full of emotion, reflection, and celebration, as one of Indian cricket’s true icons gets a well-deserved farewell in front of his adoring home crowd. 

RCB vs KKR Toss Update 

Will be updated as soon as the toss happens.

RCB vs KKR Starting XI 

Both teams have a strong squad, and their Playing 11 is expected to feature some of the best names in world cricket. Here's a look at the possible lineups for RCB and KKR: 

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB): Virat Kohli, Jacob Bethel, Swastik Chikara, Rajat Patidar, Romario Shepherd, Jitesh Sharma, Tim David, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Lungi Ngidi, Yash Dayal  

Impact Subs: Suyash Sharma, Swapnil Singh, Liam Livingstone 

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR): Sunil Narine, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ajinkya Rahane, Venkatesh Iyer, Rinku Singh, Andre Russell, Ramandeep Singh, Anrich Nortje, Vaibhav Arora, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakaravarthy   

Impact Players: Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Manish Pandey, Moeen Ali 

RCB vs KKR Match Prediction 

Match Prediction: The IPL is finally back to wrap up what’s been a rollercoaster 18th season — and it all kicks off with RCB taking on KKR in Bengaluru. But while both teams will be pushing for a win, they’re doing it for very different reasons. 

For KKR, it’s all about pride now. Their playoff hopes are already dashed, so they’ll be looking to finish the season on a high and maybe play spoiler in the process. RCB, on the other hand, are right in the thick of the playoff fight. Sitting second on the table with 16 points from 11 games, a win tonight would practically book them a ticket to the knockouts. 

On paper, RCB are clear favourites — they’ve been the far better side this season. But the weather might throw a curveball. Rain is in the forecast for tonight in Bengaluru, and that could add a whole new layer of drama to what’s already shaping up to be a cracking contest. 

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