KKR team do special pooja on Eden Gardens before starting IPL 2025 training camp, new captain Ajinkya Rahane leads the rituals

Three black stumps were set up in the historic venue's outfield, and a garland was placed above them. Before beginning the new journey, Rahane was observed breaking a coconut, a customary rite that represents a gift to the gods.

Before the players started their training session, head coach Chandrakant Pandit gave a speech to the team. On the first day of the pre-season camp at Eden Gardens, a large number of players participated, including Andre Russell and Anrich Nortje.

"We have already planned our training sessions. A few international players are unavailable because of the Champions Trophy, but we have most of our key players here. It’s a great feeling as we are coming back to our home ground, especially after the season we had last time around, and We would like to continue that momentum. There is a different motivation in the team," Pandit said.

On Saturday, March 22, the IPL 2025 season opener between the reigning champion Kolkata Knight Riders and the previous finalists Royal Challengers Bengaluru would take place at the Eden Gardens. Shreyas Iyer, the captain of KKR who won the title, was let go by the team prior to the huge auction. Punjab Kings paid an incredible Rs 26.75 crore to acquire Iyer. Phil Salt, one of KKR's top 2024 match winners, was also released.

To maintain their batting dominance, they did, however, purchase players like Quinton de Kock and Ajinkya Rahane. Gautam Gambhir, KKR's mentor who played a key role in ending their ten-year IPL title drought, will also be absent. Following his successful tenure as mentor, Gambhir assumed the position of head coach for Team India.