Rain threatens IPL 2025 opener as IMD issues orange alert for Kolkata, other Bengal districts | Forecast

KKR vs RCB today: The opening match of the Indian Premier League 2025 is set to take place at Kolkata's Eden Garden on Saturday.

Published on: Mar 22, 2025, 08:23:01 IST

By HT News Desk

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The challenge of adverse weather condition looms over the opening Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) match of the Indian Premier League 2025.

Covers had to be put on the Eden Gardens Stadium ground due to rain on the eve of the IPL 2025 KKR vs RCB opening match. (ANI)

The match which is scheduled to be played at Kolkata's Eden Garden in West Bengal on March 22, Saturday, might be faced with rain.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an "orange alert" for parts of West Bengal. "Light to moderate rainfall with thunderstorm, lightning and gusty winds" likely over the Gangetic West Bengal on March 22, it said in its daily bulletin.

Kolkata weather forecast

The weather department's forecast for Kolkata for the day said that thunderstorm along with rain is likely in the city, with the minimum temperature expected to settle at 22 degrees Celsius and maximum at 29 degrees Celsius.

On the eve of the match as well, i.e., on Friday, KKR and RCB had to end their practice sessions due to a steady drizzle in the region. Practice had begun at around 5 pm but, later the rain stepped in around 6 pm, prompting the ground staff into action while the cricketers wrapped up.

The match is scheduled to start at 7:30 pm, with the toss timed for 7 pm. Before the match, the opening ceremony of the IPL will also witness performances from Shreya Ghoshal, Karan Aujla and Disha Patani among others.

Reining champions KKR will enter the field under the captaincy of Ajinkya Rahane, while RCB will be led by Rajat Patidar.

KKR's squad includes: Ajinkya Rahane (c), Rinku Singh, Quinton de Kock, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Venkatesh Iyer, Ramandeep Singh, Andre Russell, Anrich Nortje, Harshit Rana, Sunil Narine, Varun Chakaravarthy, Vaibhav Arora, Mayank Markande, Rovman Powell, Manish Pandey, Spencer Johnson, Luvnith Sisodia, Anukul Roy, Moeen Ali, Chetan Sakariya.

RCB's squad includes: Rajat Patidar (c), Virat Kohli, Yash Dayal, Josh Hazlewood, Phil Salt, Jitesh Sharma, Liam Livingstone, Rasikh Dar, Suyash Sharma, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Swapnil Singh, Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Nuwan Thushara, Manoj Bhandage, Jacob Bethel, Devdutt Padikkal, Swastik Chhikara, Lungi Ngidi, Abhinandan Singh, Mohit Rathee.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

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