Key Points:
- IPL 2025 begins today, March 22, with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) facing Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) at Eden Gardens.
- Virat Kohli needs 38 runs to become the first IPL player to score 1,000 runs against four different teams.
- Kohli, the all-time leading IPL run-scorer with 8,004 runs, is on the brink of yet another historic milestone.
New Delhi: The much-anticipated IPL 2025 season kicks off today, March 22, with a blockbuster clash between defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata. The match, scheduled to start at 7:30 PM IST, marks the beginning of the league’s 18th season and promises to deliver high-octane action.
All eyes will be on RCB’s star batter and IPL legend Virat Kohli, who is on the verge of creating history. Kohli needs just 38 runs to become the first player in IPL history to score 1,000 runs against four different teams a feat that would further cement his legacy as one of the greatest players in the league’s history.
Kohli’s Record-Breaking Journey
Virat Kohli enters IPL 2025 as the all-time leading run-scorer in the tournament, with a staggering 8,004 runs in 252 matches. He has already crossed the 1,000-run mark against Chennai Super Kings (1,053), Delhi Capitals (1,057), and Punjab Kings (1,030). With 962 runs in 34 matches against KKR at an average of 38.48 and a strike rate of 132.14, Kohli is poised to add KKR to this elite list.
If Kohli achieves this milestone tonight, he will join David Warner and Rohit Sharma as one of only three players to score over 1,000 runs against KKR. Warner leads this list with 1,093 runs in just 28 matches, followed by Rohit Sharma with 1,070 runs in 34 matches.
Top Run-Scorers Against KKR in IPL History
| Player | Teams Played For | Runs Scored |
|---|---|---|
| David Warner | DC/SRH | 1,093 |
| Rohit Sharma | Deccan Chargers/MI | 1,070 |
| Virat Kohli | RCB | 962 |
| Shikhar Dhawan | DC/DCH/MI/PBKS/SRH | 907 |
| Suresh Raina | CSK/Gujarat Lions | 829 |
Significance of Tonight’s Match
RCB will be looking to start their campaign on a high after a disappointing finish last season when they were eliminated in the playoffs by Rajasthan Royals. Under new captain Rajat Patidar, RCB will rely heavily on Kohli’s experience and form to set the tone for their season.
KKR, led by Ajinkya Rahane this year, will aim to defend their title and continue their dominance over RCB. Historically, KKR has had the upper hand in head-to-head encounters against RCB, winning 20 out of their previous 34 matches.
Kohli’s Legacy at Eden Gardens
Eden Gardens has been a special venue for Virat Kohli. He has scored one century and five half-centuries against KKR here. His lone IPL century against KKR came at this very ground in 2019 a blistering knock of 100 off just 58 balls. However, his recent performances at Eden Gardens have been modest; he scored only 18 runs in his last outing here.
What’s at Stake?
Beyond individual milestones, tonight’s game is crucial for both teams as they look to set the tone for a long and grueling season. For fans of Virat Kohli and RCB, it’s an opportunity to witness history being made as one of cricket’s greatest batters continues to rewrite the record books.
As IPL fever grips the nation once again, all eyes will be on Eden Gardens tonight for what promises to be an electrifying start to IPL 2025!
