IPL 2025 | RCB vs KKR: Five bowlers to watch out for

The 18th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) will get underway with a marquee clash between the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) on March 22 at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. Here are the five bowlers who are likely to have the most impact in today's game.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar has been one of the most economical pacers in the IPL. He is key to RCB's bowling attack this season and will have to bring his A-game against KKR to nail those yorkers and slower balls. The star pacer has taken181 wickets in IPL so far in his career.

Mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy, would be one of the key players for the hosts who'd hope that the spinner continues his great run in the IPL. Varun has picked up 31 wickets since his comeback in the T20I format. The spinner has struck at a mind-boggling strike rate of 8.9 in his last 12 games and is riding high on confidence

With his high point of release, pace and the ability to move the ball off the pitch, Harshit Rana can be a handful on any surface. The pacer has 25 wickets in 21 matches. He could be a key player for the team as it looks to transition into the post-Shreyas Iyer era.

Josh Hazelwood will be crucial to RCB’s first title hopes this season. His right-arm pace, swing, and variety strengthen RCB’s formidable pace attack.

Sunil Narine is leading wicket-taker for KKR and will have a crucial role in today's game. Narine's ability to bowl will help KKR to stand against RCB powerhouse batting line-up. He will also be crucial for early breakthroughs in the Powerplay.