Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) delivered a dominant performance in the IPL 2025 opener, crushing defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) by seven wickets. Virat Kohli emerged as the match-winner, leading his team to a stunning victory at Eden Gardens.
KKR’s Strong Start Crumbles Under RCB’s Bowling Attack
RCB won the toss and opted to field first. Their decision paid off immediately as Josh Hazlewood struck in the first over, dismissing KKR opener Quinton de Kock. However, Sunil Narine and skipper Ajinkya Rahane counterattacked fiercely, smashing boundaries and building a blistering 103-run partnership in just nine overs.
Narine’s quickfire 44 off 26 balls put KKR in a strong position at 107/2 after 10 overs, with a 200+ total looking well within reach. But just when KKR seemed unstoppable, RCB’s bowlers turned the game around.
Krunal Pandya spun a web around the middle order, dismissing Rahane and trapping Venkatesh Iyer. The much-feared middle order, featuring Rinku Singh, Andre Russell, and Ramandeep Singh, failed to capitalize. As wickets tumbled, KKR lost momentum and finished at 174/8 in 20 overs, with Rahane top-scoring with 56 off 31 balls. Pandya delivered a stellar spell, taking 3/29 in four overs.
Kohli & Salt Lead RCB’s Rampant Chase
RCB came out with a single-minded approach—attack from the start. Openers Phil Salt and Virat Kohli dismantled KKR’s bowling, racing past 50 in just four overs and smashing 80 in the powerplay.
The duo stitched together a 95-run stand in just nine overs, putting RCB firmly in control. Salt departed after a fiery 56 off 31 balls, but by then, the outcome seemed inevitable.
Devdutt Padikkal contributed a steady 10 off 10 before captain Rajat Patidar took charge with an explosive 34 off 16. Liam Livingstone applied the finishing touch, blasting 15 off 5 and sealing the win with a towering six. RCB chased down the target in just 16.2 overs, finishing at 177/3 with 22 balls to spare.
Krunal Pandya Steals the Show
While Kohli’s masterful 59* off 36 made him a strong contender for Player of the Match, the award ultimately went to Krunal Pandya for his game-changing spell with the ball.
What’s Next?
RCB will next face Chennai Super Kings on March 28, while KKR will look to bounce back against Rajasthan Royals on March 26.