In an electrifying start to the IPL 2025 season, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) made an impressive statement against the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at Eden Gardens on March 22, 2025. RCB successfully chased down a target of 175 runs, securing a seven-wicket victory with 22 deliveries remaining in the first match of the tournament.
RCB fielded a formidable team led by captain Rajat Patidar. As the match commenced, they won the toss and elected to bowl first, a decision that set the stage for an exciting encounter. Josh Hazlewood, proving to be a key player early on, dismissed KKR’s Quinton de Kock for just four runs, despite De Kock being dropped earlier in the over. The Kolkata side struggled initially, registering only 9 runs after three overs as RCB's pace duo, Hazlewood and Yash Dayal, applied early pressure.
Kolkata’s innings gained momentum when captain Ajinkya Rahane took charge, entering the fray with aggression. Rahane's blistering knock of 56 runs from 31 balls featured four sixes and a swift 25-ball fifty, showcasing his ability to anchor KKR’s innings. Joining him, Sunil Narine contributed a solid 44 runs off 26 deliveries, and their partnership of 103 runs for the second wicket laid a crucial foundation.
However, the match took a turn when RCB’s Krunal Pandya stepped in to combat the rising threat. He delivered a remarkable performance with the ball, claiming three wickets for just 29 runs, effectively dismantling Kolkata's middle order by dismissing key players including Rahane and Venkatesh Iyer. Following Narine’s departure, KKR lost its momentum, stumbling to 174 runs for 8 in their 20 overs.
In response, RCB came out attacking right from the start. Phil Salt and Virat Kohli opened the innings aggressively, combining for a thrilling 95-run partnership. Salt, higher in confidence against his former team, played a destructive innings of 56 off just 31 balls, marking his presence with nine boundaries and two sixes. Meanwhile, Kohli, the franchise's iconic player, showcased his trademark elegance as he went on to score an undefeated 59 off 36 balls, completing his fifty in 30 balls and striking three boundaries alongside three sixes.
After Salt’s dismissal to Varun Chakravarthy, Kohli continued to lead the assault, building the innings further with skipper Patidar, who contributed a rapid 34 runs off just 16 deliveries. RCB kept their score moving, reaching 80 runs without loss by the end of the powerplay—their second-highest powerplay score in IPL history, and 127 runs at the 13-over mark.
Patidar ultimately fell to Vaibhav Arora but by then, the result was never in doubt. Kohli remained steadfast, guiding the team home to a total of 177 runs, sealing the victory with a flurry of runs that highlighted RCB's dominance. The chase was wrapped up in just 16.2 overs, allowing RCB a triumphant start to their IPL 2025 campaign.
This match not only serves as a reminder of RCB’s formidable batting lineup but also underscores the resilience of their bowling attack, particularly the performances from hazelwood and Pandya. The story of the match illustrates the changing tides of the game, as RCB aimed to improve their standing against KKR—a team they had previously struggled against in their encounters.
Earlier in the match, KKR's innings had started slowly, failing to capitalize significantly on their top-order strength. Their powerplay saw a meager production of runs compared to their expectations, with just 60 runs on the board at the break. The later collapse of KKR’s batting order, however, negated their excellent start, leaving them vulnerable against RCB's vigilant bowling.
Summary: The match showcased both the talent and the excitement that IPL can deliver, hinting at a thrilling season ahead. RCB’s exhilarating chase has set a high bar for the tournament, and with players like Kohli and Salt in form, they cannot be overlooked as serious contenders for the title. As the tournament progresses, fans eagerly await encounters that promise to be as thrilling as this opener.
In conclusion, RCB’s victory against KKR on IPL's opening night was not merely a win; it was a statement—a declaration of intent to chase the coveted trophy. With such performances, a thrilling 2025 IPL season seems to be on the horizon.
