IPL match today, RCB vs KKR: Team prediction, head-to-head, pitch report, Bengaluru weather update

The IPL resumes on Saturday after a 10-day break caused by India-Pakistan border tensions, with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) facing Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in a crucial clash at M Chinnaswamy Stadium . RCB, second on the table with 16 points from 11 matches, need a win to secure a playoff berth, while sixth-placed KKR must win to keep their knockout hopes alive. The break disrupted both teams’ momentum — RCB were on a four-match winning streak, while KKR had won two of their last three.

RCB appear better equipped to handle the restart, with skipper Rajat Patidar returning to nets after a finger injury and key overseas players like Phil Salt, Tim David, and Liam Livingstone back in the squad. However, injuries to Devdutt Padikkal and Josh Hazlewood remain concerns.

Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel.

The spotlight will be on Virat Kohli following his sudden Test retirement. Fans are expected to show support by wearing whites, though Kohli will rely on inner fire to deliver a strong performance.

Who's that IPL player?

KKR's struggles lie in inconsistent batting, with only Ajinkya Rahane and Angkrish Raghuvanshi showing form. While their bowling unit has held firm, the absence of Moeen Ali due to illness adds to their challenges.

RCB vs KKR : Pitch Report

The Chinnaswamy pitch has so far favoured the bowlers, offering unexpected assistance in the form of bounce for pacers and bite for spinners. However, the extended break and the onset of the monsoon may have altered its behaviour, prompting teams to reassess and adapt their strategies accordingly.

RCB vs KKR: Predicted XIs

Royal Challengers Bengaluru predicted XI: Jacob Bethell, Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar (c), Jitesh Sharma (wk), Tim David, Krunal Pandya, Romario Shepherd, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Lungi Ngidi, Yash Dayal

Impact Sub: Suyash Sharma/Liam Livingstone

Kolkata Knight Riders predicted XI: Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Sunil Narine, Ajinkya Rahane (c), Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Manish Pandey, Andre Russell, Rinku Singh, Ramandeep Singh, Harshit Rana, Vaibhav Arora, Varun Chakaravarthy

Impact Sub: Anukul Roy

RCB vs KKR: Bengaluru Weather update

The IPL’s restart in Bengaluru may face weather disruptions, with thunderstorms and showers expected on Saturday evening. Rain chances are high around match time — 71% at 7 PM, 69% at 8 PM, and 49% at 9 PM — indicating a likely delayed start and possible interruptions. Conditions improve slightly later, with rain chances dropping to 34% by 11 PM. Overall, a wet and uncertain evening awaits the teams and fans.

RCB vs KKR: Live Streaming details

The RCB vs KKR match will be played at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru. The match will start at 7:30 pm. The match will be telecasted on Star Sports Network and live streaming will be on JioHotstar.

RCB vs KKR squads

Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Phil Salt, Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar (c), Mayank Agarwal, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Tim David, Krunal Pandya, Romario Shepherd, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Suyash Sharma, Josh Hazlewood, Yash Dayal, Rasikh Dar Salam, Manoj Bhandage, Jacob Bethell, Swapnil Singh, Liam Livingstone, Nuwan Thushara, Lungi Ngidi, Mohit Rathee, Swastik Chikara, Abhinandan Singh.

Kolkata Knight Riders: Ajinkya Rahane (captain), Manish Pandey, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Rinku Singh, Luvnith Sisodia, Quinton de Kock, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Sunil Narine, Andre Russell, Ramandeep Singh, Anukul Roy, Venkatesh Iyer, Varun Chakravarthy, Harshit Rana, Vaibhav Arora, Mayank Markande, Umran Malik, Anrich Nortje, Spencer Johnson.