IPL 2025: Focus on consistency as defending champions KKR begin title defence against RCB

As the lights return to Eden Gardens and the purple and gold faithful gear up for another electrifying season, the Kolkata Knight Riders are ready to defend their crown in style.

- STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE

The IPL 2025 curtain-raiser pits them against familiar foes Royal Challengers Bangalore — a team still chasing that elusive title, and hungry as ever.

For KKR, the focus is to build on last season's dominance and start strong. Leading the charge with ball in hand is Varun Chakaravarthy, whose breakout season in 2024 was instrumental in guiding the Indian team's to a third Champions Trophy title. With RCB in his sights once more, the spinner isn't dwelling on past glories.

Reflecting on his track record against Bengaluru, Varun downplayed any special motivation, attributing his success to match situations that worked in his favour.

"Nothing in specific, just the situation of those matches which helped me pick wickets. In all those games the conditions and the situations were completely favourable towards us so I was able to extract the best possible result," he said on the eve of the contest, which is facing a rain threat.

When asked about the mood in the KKR camp and the team's readiness for title defence, he expressed quiet confidence. "The squad looks good. I think it's about cracking the code and having the best playing XI performing consistently. If we are able to get a set core in the first 3 matches, then we have great chances ahead in this season," he explained.