IPL 2025: RCB, MI & CSK First Matches & Player Availability

The 18th edition of the Indian Premier League is due to start on 22nd March with the match between defending Champions Kolkata Knight Riders and Royal Challengers Bengaluru at Eden Gardens. But some of the fans' favourite's teams are facing unavailability and injury issues for some of their players. In this article, we will discuss the player availability and first matches of Chennai Super Kings, Mumbai Indians, and Royal Challengers Bengaluru. 

Royal Challengers Bengaluru's First Match: KKR vs RCB

RCB will play its first match of the season against the defending Champions, Kolkata Knight Riders. Both teams have a new captain this season: Rajat Patidar will lead RCB, and Ajinkya Rahane will lead the three-time champions. The match will be played on 22nd March and will start at 7:30 PM after the IPL 2025 opening ceremony.

Match No.3: Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings’ First Match

Both teams will play their first match of the season against each other on 24 March, in match number 3 of the IPL 2025 Season. Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings, both five-time champions of the IPL, didn't perform well last season.

Neither MI nor CSK could qualify for the playoffs last season; Mumbai performed worse, finishing at the last position in IPL 2024. Both the teams, with some changes in their squad after the Mega auction, will be looking to make a strong comeback.

Mumbai Indians: Squad Availability 

One of the biggest injury concerns among these teams is with MI, who will not be having two of their frontline players in the starting match. Jaspreet Bumrah will not be part of the MI squad for the first few matches due to the back injury that he got against Australia in the Border Gavaskar trophy. While the captain of the team, Pandya, will also not be available for the first match due to a one-match ban he received last year because of the slow over rate. Hardik will be joining the team and leading it from the second match onwards. While Jasprit Bumrah is expected to join the team in the first few weeks of April, depending upon the medical clearances.

Mumbai Indians also suffered two major injuries to their players, Allah Ghzanfar and Lizaad Williams, who were ruled out for the whole season. The team has already signed replacements for these players.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Squad Availability 

Royal Challengers Bengaluru has no major squad unavailability, as all the players are available to play in the IPL 2025. Josh Hazelwood and Jacob Bethell, who earlier suffered injuries, are now fit to start RCB matches.

Chennai Super Kings: Squad Availability 

Chennai Super Kings also have no major injury concerns as their complete squad is available for the starting matches, and the team will be starting their campaign in full swing against Mumbai Indians on 23rd March.

IPL 2025: Full Schedule

Also Read:Top 10 Unbreakable Records of IPL