KOLKATA, March 23 – In a sensational opening clash of the Indian Premier League 2025, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) delivered a commanding performance to defeat Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) by 7 wickets at the iconic Eden Gardens, launching their season with authority and flair.
The game unfolded with high-voltage intensity as Virat Kohli and Phil Salt dismantled the Kolkata bowling attack in style, marking a statement win for RCB and a powerful return to form for their marquee players.
KKR Post Competitive Total Amidst Middle-Order Collapse
Opting to bat first on a traditionally high-scoring surface, KKR started strong, courtesy of a well-constructed 56 from skipper Ajinkya Rahane and a rapid-fire 44 from Sunil Narine. The duo stitched a crucial partnership at the top, laying a solid foundation with aggressive strokeplay and confident running between the wickets.
However, KKR’s momentum was derailed in the middle overs as RCB’s bowlers tightened the screws, triggering a collapse that saw wickets tumble at regular intervals. Only Ankush Raghuvanshi, with a gritty 30-run cameo, managed to steer the innings to a respectable 174/8 in 20 overs.
The standout with the ball for RCB was Krunal Pandya, who justified his selection with a spellbinding performance. Pandya claimed 3 wickets for 39 runs in his 4 overs, outfoxing the batsmen with variations in pace and sharp control. Josh Hazlewood chipped in with two key breakthroughs, while Yash Dayal, Rasikh Salam, and Suyash Sharma contributed with a wicket each.
RCB’s Batting Brilliance: Kohli and Salt Turn Up the Heat
Chasing 175, RCB’s intent was crystal clear from the first over. Phil Salt, the English power-hitter, and Virat Kohli, the ever-reliable maestro, launched an all-out assault on the KKR bowlers. The duo stitched together a thunderous 95-run opening stand, effectively killing the contest within the Powerplay and early middle overs.
Salt blazed his way to a 56-run knock, smashing boundaries with disdain and rotating the strike efficiently. His fearless aggression set the tone, forcing Kolkata onto the back foot early.
After Salt’s dismissal, Rajat Patidar maintained the momentum with a brisk 34-run cameo, keeping the scoreboard ticking and easing the pressure on Kohli. The chase was masterfully anchored by the RCB skipper himself, who remained unbeaten on 59 off 36 deliveries, guiding his team home with calm authority in just 16.2 overs.
Historic Win and Sweet Revenge for RCB
This win holds special significance for RCB, as it comes 18 years after their defeat to KKR in the inaugural IPL match back in 2008. On that historic night, Kolkata, led by Brendon McCullum’s blistering 158*, had handed Bengaluru a crushing loss. Today, the tables turned as RCB delivered a clinical, all-round performance to settle old scores.
The Eden Gardens erupted in applause for Virat Kohli, whose milestone innings now sees him climb into the top 5 all-time run-scorers in T20 cricket. With every authoritative shot and controlled innings, Kohli reaffirmed his status as a modern-day giant of the game.
Post-Match Reactions
RCB Captain Faf du Plessis, who sat out the game due to minor niggles, praised the team’s execution. “We couldn’t have asked for a better start. The intent shown by Salt and Virat was phenomenal. The bowlers did a fantastic job setting it up for us.”
Ajinkya Rahane, speaking at the post-match presentation, admitted the middle-order collapse cost them. “We had the momentum but couldn’t capitalize in the middle overs. Credit to RCB, they played outstanding cricket.”
Key Stats from the Match
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Virat Kohli’s unbeaten 59 takes him past 11,000 runs in T20 cricket.
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Phil Salt scored 56 off 32, including 7 boundaries and 2 sixes.
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RCB chased 175 in just 98 balls, underlining their aggressive approach this season.
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Krunal Pandya’s 3/39 is his best IPL bowling figure in the last three seasons.
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RCB’s win by 7 wickets is their largest opening match victory in IPL history.
Looking Ahead: A Strong Statement from Bengaluru
With this emphatic victory, Royal Challengers Bengaluru have set the tone for what could be a season of redemption. After years of falling short of silverware despite having a star-studded lineup, the team now looks balanced, hungry, and tactically sharp.
The form of Kohli and Salt at the top, the emergence of Patidar as a finisher, and the all-round impact from the likes of Krunal Pandya and Hazlewood have made RCB early title contenders.
KKR, on the other hand, will need to reassess their middle-order depth and bowling execution quickly as the tournament intensifies. With a long season ahead, they have the talent to bounce back but must iron out inconsistencies fast.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
