The IPL 2025 league stage is nearing its thrilling climax, and one of the most crucial clashes is set to unfold on Saturday, May 17 between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the iconic M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. This match comes after a week-long break in the tournament and will have massive implications for the playoff race.
RCB, who have shown signs of resurgence in the last few games, will aim to confirm their spot in the top four. KKR, on the other hand, are in a do-or-die situation—a win keeps their playoff hopes alive, while a loss will eliminate them from the tournament.
This blog covers the RCB vs KKR predicted playing 11, match timing, live toss updates, streaming options, pitch report, and key player battles ahead of this high-stakes encounter.
Match Details – RCB vs KKR, IPL 2025
| Details | Info |
|---|---|
| Match | RCB vs KKR, IPL 2025 |
| Date | Saturday, May 17, 2025 |
| Venue | M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru |
| Start Time | 7:30 PM IST |
| Toss Time | 7:00 PM IST |
| Streaming | JioCinema, Star Sports Network |
| Live Score | Available on Cricbuzz & ESPNcricinfo |
RCB vs KKR – What’s at Stake?
🟥 RCB’s Scenario:
- A win here will almost confirm RCB’s place in the playoffs.
- They are aiming for a top-two finish, which gives an extra shot in Qualifier 1.
- A loss won’t eliminate them but could push them to Qualifier 2 route depending on NRR and other results.
🟪 KKR’s Scenario:
- If KKR win, they remain alive and fight for fourth spot depending on net run rate.
- If KKR lose, they are officially eliminated from the IPL 2025 playoffs.
- They need not only a win but a big win to improve NRR if multiple teams end tied.
RCB vs KKR Playing 11 Prediction – IPL 2025
Both teams are likely to make strategic changes to counter the Chinnaswamy pitch. Here’s a look at the probable playing XIs for both sides:
🔴 RCB (Royal Challengers Bengaluru) Playing 11 (Probables)
- Jacob Bethell / Phil Salt
- Virat Kohli
- Devdutt Padikkal
- Rajat Patidar (C)
- Jitesh Sharma (WK)
- Tim David
- Krunal Pandya
- Romario Shepherd
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar
- Lungi Ngidi / Josh Hazlewood
- Yash Dayal
📝 Team Notes:
- RCB could pick Phil Salt if they want an aggressive start; otherwise, Bethell continues.
- Hazlewood or Ngidi will be decided based on pitch and dew factor.
- Rajat Patidar continues to lead in absence of Faf du Plessis.
🟣 KKR (Kolkata Knight Riders) Playing 11 (Probables)
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK)
- Venkatesh Iyer
- Shreyas Iyer (C)
- Rinku Singh
- Andre Russell
- Nitish Rana
- Sunil Narine
- Anukul Roy
- Harshit Rana
- Mitchell Starc
- Varun Chakravarthy
📝 Team Notes:
- KKR may stick with their overseas core: Gurbaz, Russell, Narine, Starc.
- Nitish Rana could bat at No. 5 to stabilize middle overs.
- Suyash Sharma might replace Anukul Roy if the pitch assists spin.
RCB vs KKR Head-to-Head Record
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Matches | 33 |
| RCB Wins | 15 |
| KKR Wins | 18 |
| Last 5 Meetings | KKR 3 – RCB 2 |
| Last Match (2024) | KKR won by 21 runs |
🟨 KKR have a slight upper hand historically, but RCB have been dominant at home.
Pitch Report – Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru
- Batting-friendly surface with short boundaries.
- High-scoring games are expected.
- Bowlers with variations (like cutters and slower balls) are more effective.
- Spinners may come into play in the second innings due to grip.
🏏 Par Score: 190+
🌙 Dew Factor: Dew may influence captain to chase.
Live Streaming and Broadcast – RCB vs KKR IPL 2025
You can catch the live action of RCB vs KKR on the following platforms:
📺 Television:
- Star Sports 1 (Hindi/English)
- Star Sports HD Channels
📱 Online Streaming:
- JioCinema App & Website (Free in India)
- JioCinema 4K for ultra-HD experience
- Available on Android, iOS, Smart TVs
🎙️ Commentary in 12+ languages including Hindi, English, Tamil, Telugu, and more.
Key Player Battles – RCB vs KKR
🔥 Virat Kohli vs Mitchell Starc
- Kohli’s record against left-arm pacers is a talking point.
- Starc will target early swing to dismiss Kohli cheaply.
🔥 Andre Russell vs Bhuvneshwar Kumar
- Bhuvi’s swing vs Russell’s power hitting.
- Key battle in death overs.
🔥 Sunil Narine vs Rajat Patidar
- Narine’s mystery spin can test RCB’s captain.
🔥 Varun Chakravarthy vs Tim David
- David loves pace but struggles against spin.
Impact Player Options (IPL 2025 Rules)
💥 RCB:
- Mahipal Lomror (if they bat first)
- Vijaykumar Vyshak (if bowling first)
💥 KKR:
- Suyash Sharma (extra spin if needed)
- Manish Pandey (additional batting depth)
Fantasy Tips – RCB vs KKR Dream11 Picks
🧠 Top Picks:
- Virat Kohli – In form and consistent at Chinnaswamy
- Sunil Narine – All-round value
- Rajat Patidar – Leadership and batting form
- Andre Russell – High impact in both departments
🎯 Differential Picks:
- Romario Shepherd – Death over wicket-taker
- Venkatesh Iyer – Can contribute with bat and ball
Match Prediction – Who Will Win RCB vs KKR?
✅ Our Prediction: RCB to Win
- RCB have home advantage
- Better recent form
- KKR’s inconsistency with middle-order
However, if KKR fire in unison, especially with Russell and Starc performing, they could cause an upset.
Final Thoughts
This RCB vs KKR IPL 2025 clash is more than just a league match—it’s a virtual playoff qualifier for KKR and a top-two sealing opportunity for RCB. With stars like Kohli, Russell, Narine, and Starc on show, expect fireworks under the lights at Chinnaswamy.
Stay tuned for live toss updates at 7:00 PM IST and match start at 7:30 PM IST. Don’t forget to catch the match on JioCinema and Star Sports.
For more IPL 2025 coverage, team news, and playing 11 predictions, bookmark our page now!