Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Kolkata Knight Riders
M. Chinnaswamy Stadium
After a nine-day suspension, the Indian Premier League 2025 is back and in game 58 of the season, Royal Challengers Bengaluru will take on Kolkata Knight Riders at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. While the Royal Challengers Bengaluru could be the first side to book their playoff spot this season, the Kolkata Knight Riders can only mathematically keep their postseason chances alive with a win in this fixture. Which team takes the advantage in this fixture? Below, I will preview this game and offer the best betting tips.
Claim Your Welcome Bonus!Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Kolkata Knight Riders: Match Start Date and Time
This match is expected to take place on the 17th of May 2025. The kickoff time will be 5:00pm.
- Match: Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Kolkata Knight Riders
- Date: Thursday, May 17th, 2025
- Kick-Off Time: 5:00pm (AEST)
- Stadium: M. Chinnaswamy Stadium
Weather and Pitch Report
The M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru has seen some high-scoring contests in IPL 2025. However, the bowlers have also had their days this season compared to previous season games. Winning the toss and opting to bowl first would be the safe choice.
For the weather, there will be a 65% chance of rain on Saturday.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Kolkata Knight Riders: Match Analysis
The Royal Challengers Bengaluru have been impressive heading into this game and will have to get the job done in this one too. In their last match, this team took on Chennai Super Kings, securing a 2-run win in a 213-211 contest. In the meantime, this team has won four consecutive wins, defeating Delhi Capitals, Rajasthan Royals and Punjab Kings in that run. Ahead of this game, Royal Challengers Bengaluru have 16 points in eleven matches with a net run rate of +0.482.
Kolkata Knight Riders' chances of making the playoffs now depend on this game after a poor run of performances. In their last encounter, this team suffered a 2-wicket defeat to Chennai Super Kings, ending 179-183. However, this team won consecutive matches prior to that defeat, pulling off a 14-run win over Delhi Capitals and a 1-run win over Rajasthan Royals. With eleven points from 12 games, Kolkata Knight Riders sit in 6th place, with a +0.193 net run rate.
| Team | MP | Won | Lost |
| Royal Challengers Bengaluru | 11 | 8 | 3 |
| Kolkata Knight Riders | 12 | 5 | 7 |
Royal Challengers Bengaluru Form
Virat Kohli is definitely the best batter in this game. On the runs getter list, Kohli sits fourth. In eleven matches, he had 505 runs at an average of 63.13 and a strike rate of 143.47. He is only five runs behind Orange Cap holder Suryakumar Yadav's tally.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru Expected Lineup
Phil Salt, Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar (c), Jitesh Sharma (wk), Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Lungi Ngidi, Yash Dayal, Suyash Sharma
| Teams | Position | Points |
| Royal Challengers Bengaluru | 2nd | 16 |
| Kolkata Knight Riders | 6th | 11 |
Kolkata Knight Riders Form
The bowler to look forward to will be Varun Chakravarthy. In 12 matches played, the veteran has 17 wickets at an average of 19.35 and an economy rate of 7.
Kolkata Knight Riders Expected Lineup
Sunil Narine, Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ajinkya Rahane (c), Venkatesh Iyer, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Rinku Singh, Andre Russell, Moeen Ali, Harshit Rana, Vaibhav Arora, Varun Chakaravarthy
More cricket predictions
Who will win in Match - Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Kolkata Knight Riders
The Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Kolkata Knight Riders have met in 35 Indian Premier League games. In those matches, Royal Challengers Bengaluru won 15 times, while Kolkata Knight Riders won 20. However, their most recent meeting was in March and it ended in a 7-wicket win for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in a 174-177 contest.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Kolkata Knight Riders Prediction
The Kolkata Knight Riders will see this game as a must-win but it is difficult to trust them as they have not shown they are ready to play in the playoffs. However, Royal Challengers Bengaluru are enjoying their best moment now, as they can book their playoff spot with a win as they look to extend their impressive record. However, Kolkata Knight Riders away from home can not be written off, as I expect an improved performance from them, having had time to recover and train more during the suspension period. Yet, Royal Challengers Bengaluru are not a side to not back in each game, and while I feel the Knight Riders will feel stubborn, I believe the Royal Challengers Bengaluru are on another level and will secure their ninth win of the season.
Prediction: Royal Challengers Bengaluru to Win
Other predictions
