IPL 2025 Resumes May 17 : RCB vs KKR to Kick Off Action

IPL 2025 Resumes May 17 , The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 is set to resume on May 17 after a temporary suspension due to national security concerns. The tournament was halted on May 8 following a serious security incident involving an attempted airspace breach by Pakistan near Chandigarh, which led to a power outage at the stadium during the Punjab Kings vs. Delhi Capitals match .

IPL 2025 Resumption Details

IPL 2025 Resumes May 17 : The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced a revised schedule for the remainder of the IPL 2025 season. The tournament will now continue from May 17 to June 3, with a total of 17 matches, including the playoffs, yet to be played. These matches will be held across six cities: Delhi, Ahmedabad, Lucknow, Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Jaipur. The traditional home-and-away format has been temporarily suspended .

Security Measures and Venue Preparations

IPL 2025 Resumes May 17 : Despite receiving three bomb threats within five days, Jaipur’s Sawai Man Singh (SMS) Stadium is set to host three IPL matches starting May 17. Rajasthan State Sports Council chairperson Neeraj K Pawan has assured the public of stringent security arrangements. The threats prompted immediate evacuations and extensive police searches, all of which confirmed the threats were hoaxes. In response, security drills were conducted, bomb disposal squads deployed, and comprehensive checks of the stadium carried out .

Upcoming Match on May 17

IPL 2025 Resumes May 17 : The first match upon resumption will be between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Kolkata Knight Riders on May 17 at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, starting at 7:30 PM IST. This match is crucial for both teams as they aim to secure a spot in the playoffs.

In the opening match of the IPL 2025 season, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) delivered a commanding performance against defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), securing a seven-wicket victory at Eden Gardens on March 22. This win was particularly significant for RCB, breaking KKR’s recent dominance in their head-to-head encounters.

IPL 2025 Resumes May 17 : Match Overview

IPL 2025 Resumes May 17 :

• Date: March 22, 2025

• Venue: Eden Gardens, Kolkata

• Result: RCB won by 7 wickets (with 22 balls remaining)

• KKR: 174/8 (20 overs)

• RCB: 177/3 (16.2 overs)

• Player of the Match: Krunal Pandya (RCB) – 3/29 in 4 overs

First Innings: KKR’s Promising Start Derailed

KKR, opting to bat first, began with a solid foundation. Ajinkya Rahane and Sunil Narine forged a century partnership, propelling the team to 107/2 in the first 10 overs. Rahane’s aggressive 56 off 31 balls and Narine’s 44 off 26 balls set the tone for a formidable total.

However, RCB’s bowlers staged a remarkable comeback in the latter half. Krunal Pandya’s crucial breakthroughs and Josh Hazlewood’s disciplined bowling (2/22) restricted KKR to just 67 runs in the final 10 overs, culminating in a total of 174/8.

Second Innings: RCB’s Dominant Chase

RCB’s chase was anchored by a stellar opening partnership between Virat Kohli and Phil Salt. Kohli remained unbeaten with 59 runs off 36 balls, while Salt contributed a brisk 56 off 31 balls. Their 95-run stand laid the foundation for a comfortable chase.

Despite a brief slowdown with Devdutt Padikkal’s run-a-ball 10, Rajat Patidar’s quickfire 34 ensured RCB reached the target in just 16.2 overs, finishing at 177/3.

Key Performers

Royal Challengers Bengaluru

• Virat Kohli: His unbeaten 59 showcased his class and anchored the innings.

• Phil Salt: The debutant’s aggressive 56 provided early momentum.

• Krunal Pandya: His 3/29 was instrumental in halting KKR’s progress.

• Josh Hazlewood: Consistent with the ball, his 2/22 included crucial wickets.

Kolkata Knight Riders

• Ajinkya Rahane: The captain’s 56 set a positive tone for KKR.

• Sunil Narine: His 44 complemented Rahane’s efforts at the top.

• Angkrish Raghuvanshi: A valuable 30 in the middle overs added to the total.

Tactical Insights

RCB’s decision to bowl first paid dividends, especially with their bowlers exploiting the conditions in the latter half of the innings. The strategic use of slower deliveries and variations by Hazlewood and others disrupted KKR’s momentum.

In contrast, KKR’s middle-order collapse highlighted the need for better adaptability and depth in batting. Their bowlers struggled to contain RCB’s aggressive approach, emphasizing the importance of early breakthroughs.

Implications for the Season

This victory provided RCB with a strong start to their campaign, boosting team morale and confidence. For KKR, the loss served as a wake-up call to address vulnerabilities, especially in their bowling attack and middle-order stability.

As both teams prepare for their upcoming matches, the lessons from this encounter will be crucial in shaping their strategies for the remainder of the tournament.

Broadcast and Streaming Information

IPL 2025 Resumes May 17 : All matches will be broadcast on Star Sports in multiple languages. Fans can also enjoy live HD streaming on JioHotstar for free via mobile and smart TVs .

Conclusion

IPL 2025 Resumes May 17 : The resumption of IPL 2025 brings renewed excitement for cricket fans worldwide. With enhanced security measures and a revised schedule, the tournament aims to provide thrilling matches leading up to the final on June 3. The upcoming match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Kolkata Knight Riders on May 17 is set to be a significant encounter in the race to the playoffs.