The 18th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) promises intense action, fierce rivalries, and unforgettable moments. Fans can look forward to fiery exchanges, nail-biting finishes, massive sixes, and elegant cover drives.
To begin the season, defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) will face Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on March 22. The much-awaited opening match will take place at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, setting the stage for an electrifying tournament.
Badrinath Mocks RCB Before IPL Opener
Meanwhile, former CSK batter Subramaniam Badrinath took a playful dig at RCB. He shared a humorous video on Instagram that quickly caught fans' attention.
In the clip, Badrinath, acting as a CSK representative, greeted and hugged members of various IPL teams. However, when it was RCB’s turn, he deliberately ignored them and moved on to the next team.
Notably, Badrinath played 95 matches for CSK, scoring 1,441 runs at an average of 30.65, including 11 half-centuries.
RCB vs. CSK Set for March 28 Showdown
Just a few days later, fans will witness another thrilling battle between RCB and CSK on March 28 in Chennai. This match will undoubtedly add another exciting chapter to their legendary rivalry.
AB de Villiers on IPL’s Tough Challenges
At the same time, former RCB star AB de Villiers shared his thoughts on why winning the IPL is so difficult. He pointed out the intense competition, travel fatigue, injuries, and ever-changing conditions.
"Winning the IPL is incredibly difficult. There are 10 world-class teams that could even win a World Cup, let alone the IPL. So many factors come into play—travel, team strategies, injuries, and adapting to different conditions throughout the season. The team that manages to maintain energy and momentum towards the back end of the tournament usually comes out on top. Teams that capitalize on their home advantage tend to perform well," de Villiers said on Jio Hotstar.
Will RCB Finally Lift the Trophy?
Despite the challenges, de Villiers remains hopeful that RCB will finally win their first IPL title in 2025. Interestingly, he believes the 18th season could be special, as Virat Kohli, wearing jersey number 18, leads the charge.
"I hope this is the year—the 18th season, with number 18 (Virat) in the squad. If RCB lifts the trophy, I will be there celebrating with Virat!" added de Villiers.
Overall, with high-stakes matches, passionate rivalries, and intense competition, IPL 2025 is set to be an unforgettable season for cricket fans worldwide.