Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) made a resounding start to their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 campaign by defeating the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) by seven wickets in a high-intensity opener held at Eden Gardens on March 22, 2025. New captain Rajat Patidar, filled with pressure ahead of his first match, guided his team skillfully to victory, showcasing a commanding performance that was marked by stellar contributions from senior players. The match acted as a reminder of the electrifying atmosphere that IPL matches foster, especially with the backdrop of Bollywood’s presence.
Patidar acknowledged the pressure he felt before the game but credited the unwavering support from legendary player Virat Kohli and the impressive bowler performances that kept the team's strategy intact. “There was pressure on me, of course, but it was a good day for me. Hope for more such days,” Patidar said during the post-match presentation, his relief palpable after securing a win in his first outing as captain.
In a match that was keenly anticipated, Kohli himself delivered a standout performance, scoring an unbeaten 59 runs off 36 balls. His innings was highlighted by a mix of precision hitting and aggressive strokes, including four boundaries and three sixes, propelling RCB's chase of 175 runs. “It’s a great opportunity for me to learn from one of the best,” Patidar added appreciatively about Kohli’s impact on his captaincy.
The RCB batsmen, encouraged by an explosive opening partnership of 95 runs between Kohli and Phil Salt, who also scored 56, set the tone for a convincing victory. Phil Salt expressed his satisfaction, noting that their partnership was key to getting RCB's innings off to a strong start. “Kohli and I haven't batted together much, so, to put on a partnership like that was key,” Salt remarked.
Under the command of Patidar, RCB maintained their momentum throughout the match, even when at one point KKR seemed poised to post a large score. KKR had started strong, reaching 107 for 1 in under ten overs. However, it was Krunal Pandya who turned the match in RCB's favor by taking crucial wickets, eventually securing the Player of the Match award with impressive figures of 3 wickets for 29 runs. Pandya’s spell included the pivotal dismissals of KKR's captain Ajinkya Rahane, who scored 56 off 31 balls, as well as Venkatesh Iyer and Rinku Singh.
Rahane, reflecting on his team's performance, noted the need for improvement. “We need to learn from our mistakes,” he said after the game. His remark highlighted the rapid change in momentum as RCB turned the tide through a concentrated effort from their bowlers, particularly during the middle overs.
The match delivered more than just cricket; it was an experience marked by glitz as a lavish opening ceremony preceded the game. Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan, co-owner of KKR, engaged with fans and players alike, including a captivating moment where he danced with Kohli, further underscoring the event's celebrity appeal.
As RCB celebrated this opening victory, they began their campaign with renewed hope. The IPL 2025 opener not only marked a new chapter under Patidar's leadership but also brought Kohli closer to a personal milestone, as he surpassed the 1,000-run mark against KKR in his illustrious IPL career. With Kohli's continued dominance and the emerging strategies under Patidar, RCB fans are eager to see how the team will fare as the season progresses.
With significant expectations, the IPL 2025 is already proving to be a riveting season of cricket, and if the opener is anything to go by, fans can anticipate a showcase of skill, strategy, and entertainment as teams vie for the coveted title.
