The 2025 edition of the Indian Premier League kicked off with a thrilling encounter between Kolkata Knight Riders and Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the Eden Gardens. In front of a packed stadium, RCB chased down a target of 175 in just 16.2 overs, defeating the defending champions KKR by 7 wickets and making a bold statement to start their campaign.
Rajat Patidar, the newly appointed RCB captain, won the toss and chose to bowl first. His decision immediately paid off as RCB’s bowlers contained KKR’s dangerous lineup despite a strong start from the hosts. Sunil Narine blasted a quick 44, while captain Ajinkya Rahane anchored the innings with a composed 56. However, after reaching 122/2 in 13 overs, KKR lost momentum. Krunal Pandya turned the tide with three vital wickets, and Josh Hazlewood delivered a tidy spell of 2 for 22, helping RCB restrict KKR to 174/8 in their 20 overs.
In response, RCB openers Virat Kohli and Phil Salt wasted no time. They launched a furious attack from the very first over. Phil Salt, who previously played for KKR, returned to Eden Gardens with a vengeance, smashing 56 off just 31 balls. He hit 7 boundaries and 2 sixes in a powerful display before falling to Sunil Narine.
Kohli, ever the master of chases, kept the scoreboard ticking with calculated aggression. He reached his fifty in just 30 balls, hitting 4 fours and 3 sixes. With Salt setting the tone and Kohli anchoring the middle, RCB looked in full control of the chase.
When Salt departed, Rajat Patidar walked in with purpose. The RCB skipper played a blistering cameo, scoring 34 off just 16 deliveries. He struck 5 boundaries and a towering six, attacking the KKR bowlers with flair. His 15th over assault against Harshit Rana, where he cracked four boundaries, completely deflated the opposition.
As the 16th over ended, RCB stood at 167/3. Patidar departed in the 15th over after doing his part, caught by Rinku Singh at deep mid-wicket. By then, RCB needed only 13 runs off 27 balls.
Liam Livingstone then stepped in and immediately asserted himself. He pulled his first delivery for four, drawing a loud cheer from Kohli and the RCB fans. The intent remained crystal clear: finish it fast.
Kohli, who had already crossed 1,000 IPL runs against KKR—a feat he has achieved against four different franchises—played the role of a finisher this time. With clinical precision, he ensured RCB crossed the finish line comfortably.
RCB completed the chase in 16.2 overs, scoring 177/3 and sealing a dominant 7-wicket win. Their run rate of 10.84 was a testament to the fearless brand of cricket they brought to Eden Gardens.
Kolkata Knight Riders, despite their strong start, will rue their middle-order collapse and inability to capitalize on their momentum. Their bowling lacked sting after the powerplay, and their death bowling failed to stop the flow of runs.
For RCB, this win was more than just two points. It was a powerful message to the rest of the league. With Kohli in sublime form, Salt delivering at the top, and Patidar leading with aggression, the Bengaluru side looked like a well-oiled machine.
Josh Hazlewood and Krunal Pandya’s performances with the ball also deserve special mention. They applied the brakes exactly when KKR looked dangerous. Pandya’s ability to pick up wickets in the middle overs proved crucial in breaking KKR’s rhythm.
Kohli’s performance added yet another chapter to his ever-growing legacy in IPL. He has now scored over 1,000 runs against four different teams—CSK, PBKS, DC, and now KKR. His presence at the crease continues to inspire confidence among fans and teammates alike.
With this emphatic win, Royal Challengers Bengaluru start their IPL 2025 campaign on a high. Their blend of experienced campaigners and fearless youngsters could very well turn them into serious title contenders this season.
KKR, on the other hand, will have to regroup quickly. Their top order fired, but the middle and lower order didn’t offer enough support. Their bowlers must find answers before their next clash if they wish to defend their title.
The 2025 season has just begun, but if Match 1 is any indication, cricket fans are in for a roller-coaster ride filled with big hits, bold captaincy, and thrilling finishes.Final Score: KKR – 174/8 (20 overs) | Rahane 56, Narine 44 | Krunal 3/33, Hazlewood 2/22
RCB – 177/3 (16.2 overs) | Kohli 50, Salt 56, Patidar 34 | Narine 1/30*
Result – Royal Challengers Bengaluru won by 7 wickets
