By Chirag - May 17, 2025 09:33 AM
As the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season resumes after a brief suspension, all eyes are set on the high-octane encounter between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). The match, scheduled for Saturday, May 17, at the iconic M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, is extremely important to both teams as they try to qualify for playoffs.
RCB enter this contest with strong momentum, having notched up four consecutive victories, including a thrilling triumph over Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in their last outing. With 16 points from 11 matches (8 wins, 3 losses), a win today will confirm their berth in the playoffs.
On the other hand, defending champions KKR have had a rollercoaster campaign. With only five wins from 12 games, they sit on 11 points. Even back-to-back victories in their final two league games may not guarantee them a place in the top four, making this clash a must-win to stay in contention.
As both teams gear up for this crucial battle, here are three players who could make a significant impact with the bat:
Image Source: IPL-X
With Quinton de Kock likely unavailable, Rahmanullah Gurbaz may step up to open the innings for KKR. Although his performances this season have been underwhelming—scoring just 74 runs in five games—he has the firepower to change the course of a match in the powerplay.
Gurbaz showed glimpses of his aggressive intent in the last game against CSK, where he hit a four and a six in a brief cameo. With Josh Hazlewood expected to miss this match for RCB, the Afghan wicketkeeper-batter has a golden chance to exploit the weakened bowling attack early on.
Backed by vast T20 experience—over 5000 runs in 216 matches at a strike-rate of 146.26—Gurbaz will be looking to convert his starts into a match-defining knock.
Image Source: IPL-X
Despite KKR's season being uneven overall, captain Ajinkya Rahane has been a reliable player. Leading from the front, Rahane has amassed 375 runs in 11 innings, averaging 37.50 and striking at 146.48. His calm presence at the crease has anchored the KKR innings multiple times, including three half-centuries.
In the last match before the break, Rahane fell just short of a fifty, scoring a fluent 48 off 33 deliveries against CSK. With four boundaries and two sixes in that innings, he reminded everyone of his ability to pace an innings effectively.
In a must-win game against a high-flying RCB side, Rahane's experience and form will be crucial if KKR are to pull off an upset.
Image Source: IPL-X
Virat Kohli continues to be the backbone of RCB’s batting lineup. In addition to being the top scorer for RCB, he is also one of the tournament's best run scorers with an incredible 505 runs in 11 games at a strike-rate of 143.46 and an average of 63.12
Before the season was paused, Kohli was in sublime form, recording seven fifties—each contributing to an RCB win. His most recent knock, a blistering 62 off 33 balls against CSK, featured five fours and five towering sixes, striking at nearly 188.
Kohli’s ability to dominate the powerplay and build the innings will be key for RCB. With a playoff spot within touching distance, the team will be banking on their star batter to lead them over the line.
The stage is set for a thrilling encounter as RCB and KKR clash in a match that could shape the playoff picture. While Kohli looks to continue his dream run, KKR will rely on Rahane’s consistency and hope for an explosive start from Gurbaz. With so much at stake, fans can expect a high-scoring and intense contest at the Chinnaswamy Stadium tonight.
Also Read: IPL 2025 : RCB vs KKR Head-to-Head and AI Predictions
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