The inaugural match of the 18th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL), featuring the reigning champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), is scheduled for March 22 at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. However, it is anticipated that the match may be canceled due to the forecast of heavy rainfall in the city.

The season opener is expected to commence with a spectacular opening ceremony, showcasing performances by renowned artists Shreya Ghoshal, Karan Aujla, and actress Disha Patani. Nevertheless, the match's prospects appear grim as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted thunderstorms, lightning, and rain in Kolkata leading up to March 22, attributed to an anticyclonic circulation over the Bay of Bengal.

According to the IMD, “A trough extends from central Odisha to Vidarbha, and there is a convergence of winds over eastern and adjacent central India due to this trough and the anticyclonic circulation at lower tropospheric levels over the Bay of Bengal. Isolated to scattered light or moderate rainfall, along with thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds, is expected over sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim on March 20 and 21.”

Additionally, the Regional Meteorological Centre in Kolkata has issued an orange alert for certain areas of West Bengal from March 20 to March 22.

“Thunderstorm activity is anticipated across the districts of West Bengal from March 20 to 22, 2025. Favorable wind patterns and significant moisture influx from the Bay of Bengal at lower tropospheric levels are likely to result in thunderstorms with lightning and strong gusty winds in various districts of West Bengal during this period,” stated the regional weather forecasting agency.

Significance of KKR vs RCB game

The opening match of the IPL 2025 season will be significant for both teams, as they will be under the leadership of new captains. Rajat Patidar has been appointed as the captain of RCB, while Ajinkya Rahane has taken over from Shreyas Iyer, with Venkatesh Iyer serving as his deputy.

Last season, RCB finished in fourth place, ultimately losing in the Eliminator round. In contrast, KKR has bounced back from a disappointing performance in 2022 and 2023 to claim the championship title. Historically, Kolkata has an advantage over RCB, having won eight out of their twelve encounters at Eden Gardens.

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