India, March 22 -- The IPL is set to begin, albeit under the threat of heavy rain in Kolkata as West Bengal and surrounding areas have received an orange alert from the meteorological department. Nevertheless, the season opener between Kolkata Knight Riders and Royal Challengers Bengaluru signals the start of the IPL's 18th season. With a fresh slate, it is all to play for for these teams - but getting their combinations right is the key.

For the defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders, it is a simpler story than for RCB. With six retentions in place from their trophy-winning campaign in 2024, most of the pieces are already in place, as far as this team is concerned. Add to this their pursuit of some other key players from last season,...