NEW DELHI: The banter, fiery exchanges, on-field altercations, nail-biting finishes, run fests, towering sixes, elegant cover drives, and much more await as the 18th edition of the Indian Premier League gears up for action. IPL 2025 is set to kick off with a thrilling clash between defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders and Royal Challengers Bengaluru on March 22. The tournament opener will take place at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata.
Ahead of the much-anticipated showdown between KKR and RCB, former CSK batter Subramaniam Badrinath took to Instagram to mock RCB.
In the video, Badrinath, posing as a CSK representative, shook hands and embraced representatives of various teams.
However, when it was RCB’s turn, he deliberately ignored them and moved on to greet the next team.
Badrinath, who played 95 IPL matches for CSK, amassed 1,441 runs at an average of 30.65, including 11 half-centuries.
RCB and CSK will renew their rivalry in IPL 2025 on March 28 in Chennai.
Former RCB star AB de Villiers emphasised the challenges of winning the IPL, citing the presence of 10 world-class teams, travel fatigue, injuries, and varying conditions.

“Winning the IPL is incredibly difficult. There are 10 world-class teams that could even win a World Cup, let alone the IPL. So many factors come into play–travel, team strategies, injuries, and adapting to different conditions throughout the season. The team that manages to maintain energy and momentum towards the back end of the tournament usually comes out on top. Teams that capitalize on their home advantage tend to perform well,” AB de Villiers said on Jio Hotstar.
He hopes that RCB will lift the trophy in the 18th season, with Kohli, wearing jersey number 18, leading the charge.
“I hope this is the year–the 18th season, with number 18 (Virat) in the squad. If RCB lifts the trophy, I will be there celebrating with Virat!” added de Villiers.