Kolkata is buzzing as the stage is set for the grand opening clash of IPL 2025 between the Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Kolkata Knight Riders at the iconic Eden Gardens on Saturday.
With new rivalries, fresh team colours, and familiar faces reunited, this isn't just the start of a new season -- it's a blockbuster waiting to unfold.
On Thursday, all eyes were on Virat Kohli as RCB hit the ground for their practice session. The former RCB captain was the first to step off the team bus, making a beeline for the nets with four different bats in tow.
Cameras clicked, fans cheered, and Kohli looked locked in.
The pre-match build-up wasn't just about practice -- it was a reunion. RCB's new Head Coach Dinesh Karthik, who once led KKR, was seen sharing a warm hug with his former teammate Andre Russell. Karthik also caught up with KKR Bowling Coach Bharath Arun, rekindling a bond that goes back years.
One of last season's breakout stars for KKR, Phil Salt, now dons RCB colours. Salt looked thrilled to reconnect with Angkrish Raghuvanshi and KKR CEO Venky Mysore, exchanging smiles and laughs.
The South African contingent had their own mini-huddle: Lungi Ngidi and Anrich Nortje, now on opposite sides, were spotted in deep discussion before Quinton de Kock joined the banter, adding to the camaraderie.
Another notable swap is young leg-spinner Suyash Sharma, who previously dazzled in KKR colours. Now with RCB, he's ready to unleash his magical twirls in red and gold.
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