The opening match of IPL 2025 between Kolkata Knight Riders and Royal Challengers Bengaluru at Eden Gardens on Saturday, March 22, faces uncertainty due to weather concerns. The India Meteorological Department has issued an orange alert for Kolkata, with forecasts predicting rain and thunderstorms that could affect both the match (scheduled for 7:30pm IST) and the opening ceremony (for 6pm IST).
The weather situation in West Bengal is unstable due to a trough extending from central Odisha to Vidarbha and wind confluence over eastern India. An anticyclonic circulation over the Bay of Bengal at lower tropospheric levels is adding to the weather complexity.
Kolkata weather prediction
The forecast indicates scattered light to moderate rainfall with thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds across parts of West Bengal from March 20 to March 22. Kolkata’s Regional Meteorological Centre has specifically predicted thunderstorms with lightning and strong gusty surface winds for match day.
The temperature in Kolkata is expected to range between 29°C and 22°C, lower than usual due to cloudy conditions. The humidity level is forecasted at 65%, which could impact pitch conditions if play occurs.
The morning hours of March 22 are expected to see cloudy skies with showers, with precipitation chances reaching 66% around 11 AM. This could affect the preparations for the opening ceremony scheduled between 6:20 PM and 6:45 PM IST.
The afternoon forecast shows intervals of clouds and sunshine, with rain probability decreasing to 25% by late afternoon. During the evening, when the match is scheduled to begin with toss at 7:00 PM IST, initial rain chances reduce to 10%.
However, the precipitation probability increases to 70% by 11 PM IST, suggesting possible interruptions during the match. The ground staff at Eden Gardens has already covered the playing area since Thursday as a precautionary measure.
IPL 2025 opening ceremony, KKR vs RCB to be affected
Practice sessions for both teams were shortened on Friday due to drizzle, forcing players to move indoors. The match features KKR’s new captain Ajinkya Rahane against RCB led by Rajat Patidar.
The opening ceremony holds special significance as Kolkata hosts it for the first time since 2015. The event will feature performances by Shreya Ghoshal, Karan Aujla, and Disha Patani, showcasing West Bengal’s art and culture. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is expected to attend.
What happens if match is affected by rain?
If the match is washed out, both teams will receive one point each. Even a shortened game could be affected by the pitch conditions, potentially favouring bowlers over the strong batting lineups of both teams.
Eden Gardens has transformed from a spin-friendly venue to a batting-friendly surface in recent IPL seasons. However, rain could alter the pitch conditions, making it more favourable for bowlers if the covers remain on for an extended period.
Get the latest IPL 2025 updates on Times of India, including match schedules, team squads, and live scores for CSK, MI, RCB, KKR, SRH, LSG, DC, GT, PBKS, and RR. Find out how to watch IPL 2025 in Canada and the USA.
