IPL 2025 Faces Challenges Ahead of Season Opener

Heavy rain threatens the opening match in Kolkata, while new rules and player absences shape the season's start.

The IPL 2025 opener between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on March 22 is at risk of being abandoned due to forecasted heavy rainfall in Kolkata.
The BCCI has introduced significant rule changes, including the reinstatement of saliva use to shine the ball, a conditional second new ball in evening matches, and DRS for wides.
Key players like Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah will miss the start of the season due to a suspension and injury, respectively.
A KKR home match against Lucknow Super Giants has been relocated to Guwahati due to logistical challenges during Ram Navami celebrations in Kolkata.
Rajat Patidar has been named the new captain of RCB, marking a leadership change as the team aims to end its title drought.