The IPL 2025 season roared to life on March 22, 2025, with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) delivering a commanding 7-wicket victory over Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the opener at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. In a match that showcased explosive batting, tactical bowling, and a festive atmosphere, RCB chased down KKR’s 174/8 with 22 balls to spare, finishing at 177/3 in just 16.2 overs. Led by Virat Kohli’s unbeaten 59 and Phil Salt’s fiery 56, RCB kicked off their campaign in style, signaling their intent to end their long-standing title drought.
The Build-Up: A Grand Start to IPL 2025
The stage was set under overcast skies at Eden Gardens, with the iconic venue hosting its first IPL match of the season. The pre-match buzz was electric, amplified by an opening ceremony featuring Shah Rukh Khan, Virat Kohli, and Rinku Singh dancing together, followed by Kohli receiving a memento for his 18 years with RCB. With KKR as defending champions and RCB under new captain Rajat Patidar, this clash promised fireworks—and it didn’t disappoint.
RCB won the toss and opted to bowl, a decision that capitalized on the dew expected later in the evening. The pitch, known for favoring batsmen in the powerplay, offered some assistance to spinners as the game progressed, setting up an intriguing battle.
KKR’s Innings: Rahane’s Fight Undone by RCB’s Bowlers
KKR’s innings began with a flourish as captain Ajinkya Rahane smashed 56 off 31 balls (5 fours, 3 sixes), racing to his fifty in 25 balls. Partnering him was Sunil Narine, who blasted 44 off 26 (5 fours, 3 sixes), and their 103-run opening stand had KKR dreaming of 200-plus. But RCB’s bowlers staged a stunning comeback. Krunal Pandya’s 3/29, including the wickets of Narine and Andre Russell (24 off 15), turned the tide, while Josh Hazlewood (2/22) dismissed Rinku Singh (23 off 15) to keep KKR in check. A late collapse saw KKR stumble to 174/8, a total that felt 20 runs short on this surface.
Pandya’s clever variations and Hazlewood’s precision were the highlights, with the duo ensuring KKR’s middle order couldn’t capitalize on the platform set by Rahane and Narine. The defending champions would rue their inability to finish strong, especially with dew making bowling tougher in the second innings.
RCB’s Chase: Salt and Kohli Steal the Show
RCB’s reply was nothing short of spectacular. Phil Salt, facing his former team, smashed 56 off 31 balls (9 fours, 2 sixes), reaching his fifty in 25 balls and dominating the powerplay alongside Virat Kohli. The pair raced to 80/0 in six overs, with Salt’s aggression complementing Kohli’s class. Kohli, in his 400th T20 match, remained unbeaten on 59 off 36 (4 fours, 3 sixes), his fifty marked by a lofted cover drive and a pitch invader’s dramatic tumble at his feet.
After Salt fell to Varun Chakravarthy, Rajat Patidar stepped up with a brisk 34 off 16 (5 fours, 1 six), including a monstrous 91m six off Narine. Devdutt Padikkal (10 off 10) and Liam Livingstone (15* off 6) ensured there were no hiccups, guiding RCB to 177/3 in 16.2 overs. The chase was so clinical that RCB finished with 22 balls to spare, a massive boost to their net run rate—a critical factor in IPL’s tight points race.
Key Moments That Defined the Match
- Rahane and Narine’s Powerplay Blitz: KKR’s 103-run opening stand set a high tempo, only for RCB to claw back.
- Pandya’s Game-Changing Spell: Krunal’s 3/29 in the middle overs swung momentum RCB’s way.
- Salt-Kohli’s 95-Run Stand: The opening partnership demolished KKR’s bowling in just 8.3 overs.
- Kohli’s Milestone Moment: His fifty in his 400th T20 match was a testament to his enduring brilliance.
- RCB’s Early Finish: Winning with 22 balls left underscored their dominance and net run rate advantage.
Standout Performances
- Virat Kohli (59 off 36)*: A vintage knock, blending aggression and composure to anchor the chase.
- Phil Salt (56 off 31): A statement innings against his old team, setting the tone with a fiery fifty.
- Krunal Pandya (3/29): The match-winner with the ball, breaking KKR’s backbone.
- Rajat Patidar (34 off 16): The new captain’s cameo showed intent and promise.
What It Means for Both Teams
For RCB, this victory is a dream start. Kohli’s form, Salt’s firepower, and Patidar’s leadership signal a team ready to shed their “nearly men” tag. The bowling unit, led by Pandya and Hazlewood, showed discipline, and the early finish boosts their confidence ahead of their next clash against Chennai Super Kings on March 28.
For KKR, the loss stings as defending champions. Rahane and Narine provided a solid base, but the middle-order collapse and inability to defend 174 at home expose vulnerabilities. They’ll look to bounce back against Rajasthan Royals in Guwahati, with their depth and home support still key assets.
The Bigger Picture
This opener wasn’t just a match—it was a statement. RCB’s 7-wicket win with 22 balls to spare flips the script from last season, where KKR swept both encounters. The festive vibe, from the opening ceremony to Kohli’s milestone, added to the spectacle. If this is a sign of things to come, IPL 2025 is set for a blockbuster ride.
As the Eden Gardens crowd dispersed, RCB fans chanted “Ee Sala Cup Namde” with renewed hope, while KKR supporters were left to ponder what might have been. One thing’s clear: this season’s opener has set the bar sky-high!
Also Read: KKR vs RCB: Fantasy Tips & Best Picks – IPL 2025 Match 1
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