Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will host Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the Chinnaswamy in the opening match following the start of the IPL 2025 season. With eight victories in 11 games thus far and 16 points, they have had an outstanding season. RCB has a good chance of finishing in the top two and is only one victory away from securing their postseason berth.
The Bengaluru squad will play the first game when play resumes, marking the first time an IPL season has been cut short in the middle. The COVID-19 pandemic caused the 2021 season to end indefinitely. Later in the year, in September, the second part of that season took place in the United Arab Emirates.
It’s interesting to note that RCB’s IPL 2021 campaign and the current 2025 season so far share some striking similarities.
1. RCB Build Momentum with Four Straight Wins in League Stage
RCB won four consecutive league games in the 2021 season prior to the temporary interruption due to the COVID-19 epidemic. With victories over the Mumbai Indians (MI), Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), KKR, and Rajasthan Royals (RR) in their opening four games, they had a fantastic start to the season. But before the suspension, they could only win one of their following three games.
This time, they defeated the Delhi Capitals (DC), Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Punjab Kings (PBKS), and RR to win four straight league games before to the suspension.
2. RCB in Strong Position with Top-Four Standing Before Pause
RCB was in the top four of the points table prior to COVID-19 forcing the IPL 2021 season to end. They were in third place with ten points after winning five of their seven games. They ultimately ended third in the league with nine victories and eighteen points after the tournament resumed.
They have won eight of their eleven games so far this time around and have 16 points after three losses. They are now in second place on the points table and, as in 2021, finished in the top four during the break.
However, they are hoping to finish in the top two this time.
3. RCB to Play First Match Post-Break Against Same Side as Before
In Abu Dhabi, RCB played their first match against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) as the IPL 2021 season got underway in the United Arab Emirates. When Bengaluru batted first, they were knocked out for just 92 runs, making it a dismal game. After that, KKR won the match handily by nine wickets.
Coincidentally, Bengaluru will play the same opponent, KKR, in the IPL 2025 in the first game after play resumes. On Saturday, May 17, they will play Kolkata in Bengaluru’s M Chinnaswamy Stadium.
