IPL 2025: Players to watch out in Kolkata Knight Riders vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru clash

Defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders will start their Indian Premier League campaign on Saturday as they face Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata.

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Ahead of the clash, let's take a look at the players to watch out in this encounter.

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Varun Chakravarthy Varun was the backbone of KKR's bowling in 2024. He took 21 wickets in 15 matches, with a best of 3/16. He is KKR’s mystery spinner and an instrumental factor in KKR's team's fortunes.

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Virat Kohli Kohli is the leading scorer in the IPL; he has scored 8004 runs so far, the most by any batter in this league. He scored 973 in 2016 in just 16 matches, also a record for the most runs in one edition.

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Venkatesh Iyer He is one of KKR’s trump cards and retained players, and the franchise will be expecting some match-winning performances from the youngster. He scored 370 last season with an average of 46.25.

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Yash Dayal Yash Dayal was the pick of the bowlers for RCB, picking up 15 wickets in the previous IPL season. He took the wicket of MS Dhoni in the qualifier match for RCB in the group stage, which won RCB the match. He has taken 28 wickets in the IPL so far.

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Rinku Singh Rinku Singh has been one of KKR's most impressive finds in the past few years. With a brilliant strike rate, Rinku has been giving vital knocks in the end. Rinku was acquired by KKR in 2018. In 40 innings, Rinku has scored 893 runs so far in his IPL career.

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Rajat Patidar Rajat Patidar takes over as RCB captain in IPL 2025, replacing Faf du Plessis. Known for his calm temperament and solid middle-order batting, Patidar’s leadership will be closely watched. With limited captaincy experience, he faces the challenge of managing star players like Kohli and Maxwell.

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Sunil Narine Sunil Narine has played 177 IPL matches, taking 180 wickets. In IPL 2024, he emerged as a surprise opener for KKR, scoring 488 runs with a century and three fifties at a 180+ strike rate.

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