Virat Kohli kicked off the IPL 2025 season in style, adding another milestone to his illustrious career. The batting maestro crossed 1,000 runs against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the season opener at Eden Gardens on Saturday.
Leading Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) to a commanding seven-wicket victory, Kohli delivered a match-winning 59* off 36 balls while chasing KKR’s 175-run target. This achievement made him one of the few players to score 1,000+ runs against multiple IPL teams, including Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Delhi Capitals (DC), and Punjab Kings (PBKS).
Kohli and Phil Salt set the stage for RCB’s win with a blazing 95-run opening stand in just 8.3 overs. Salt’s fiery 56 off 31 balls put KKR on the back foot early, and Kohli ensured RCB cruised to the target in just 16.2 overs, finishing at 177/3. His calm presence and perfectly timed strokes kept the chase under control, sealing the victory with authority.
Earlier, KKR put up a competitive total of 174/8, thanks to Ajinkya Rahane’s steady 56 and Sunil Narine’s quickfire 44 off 26 balls. However, RCB’s bowlers turned the game around in the death overs. Krunal Pandya (3/29) and Josh Hazlewood (2/22) led a disciplined attack, restricting KKR’s late acceleration and keeping the target well within reach for RCB.
With this emphatic start to IPL 2025, Kohli once again proved why he remains one of the most reliable match-winners in the tournament.
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