Discover how Salt’s Storm and Kohli’s Classic propelled RCB to a thrilling start in IPL 2025. Explore match highlights and player performances now!
Introduction:
The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season kicked off with a thrilling encounter between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at Eden Gardens. Despite KKR’s promising start, RCB staged a remarkable comeback, thanks to a stellar all-round performance. Phil Salt’s explosive powerplay hitting and Krunal Pandya’s game-changing bowling spell were the key highlights, ensuring a dominant victory for RCB in their season opener. See also: KKR vs RCB: IPL 2025 Opener Set for a Blockbuster
KKR’s Strong Start: Rahane and Narine Shine
Rahane’s Intent and Narine’s Power-Hitting: Put into bat first, KKR’s opening overs were sluggish, with just 9 runs in the first three overs. Josh Hazlewood set the tone early, dismissing Quinton de Kock for a low score. However, Ajinkya Rahane’s aggressive strokeplay and Sunil Narine’s counterattack turned the tide.
Rahane punished Rasikh Dar and Yash Dayal, smashing boundaries at will, while Narine took on the spinners. Their partnership yielded 98 runs between overs 4 to 10, lifting KKR to a strong 107/1. Rahane’s fifty came in just 25 balls, and Narine, after a slow start, raced to 44 off 26 balls. See also: Ishan Kishan’s Explosive IPL Debut
Krunal Pandya’s Spell Turns the Game
Just as KKR looked set for a massive total, Krunal Pandya’s left-arm spin derailed their momentum. The all-rounder dismissed Narine and Rahane in quick succession, sending KKR from 107/1 to 109/3 within a span of five balls.
His spell of 4-0-29-3 included the crucial wickets of Venkatesh Iyer and Rinku Singh, proving his worth as an impact player. The introduction of Suyash Sharma, a former KKR player, further dented the hosts as he removed Andre Russell with a brilliant googly.
RCB’s Pacers Close Out the Innings
With their middle order collapsing, KKR struggled to accelerate in the death overs. Hazlewood and Yash Dayal conceded just 23 runs in the last four overs, restricting KKR to 174/6 in 20 overs. It was a commendable effort by RCB’s bowling unit, especially considering the batter-friendly nature of the pitch.
RCB’s Ruthless Chase: Powerplay Carnage by Salt and Kohli
RCB’s intent was clear from the very first over. Phil Salt and Virat Kohli tore into KKR’s bowlers, racking up 80 runs in the powerplay—RCB’s second-highest powerplay score in IPL history.
Salt was particularly destructive, smashing 10 fours and 4 sixes, bringing up his fifty off just 23 balls. Kohli, meanwhile, made a statement by taking on Spencer Johnson, launching him for two sixes in the fifth over.
KKR’s Fightback with Spin
Desperate for a breakthrough, Varun Chakravarthy and Sunil Narine were introduced into the attack. Chakravarthy managed to dismiss Salt for 56 off 31 balls, but RCB remained in control.
Devdutt Padikkal, playing at No. 3, fell to Narine for a 10-ball 10, but Kohli’s composed batting ensured there were no further hiccups. His 56th IPL fifty came in just 30 balls, reaffirming his dominance on the big stage.
RCB Seal the Win Comfortably
With just 50 runs needed off the last eight overs, RCB captain Rajat Patidar played a quick cameo of 34 off 16 balls to put the game to bed. Kohli remained unbeaten on 59 off 36, guiding RCB to an emphatic win with 22 balls to spare.
Livingstone’s boundary in the 17th over sealed the chase, handing KKR a comprehensive defeat in their backyard.
Key Takeaways from the Match
RCB’s Auction Strategy Pays Off:
Phil Salt, one of RCB’s key acquisitions, played a match-winning knock. Krunal Pandya, who was targeted specifically for his all-round abilities, turned the game with his spell. Suyash Sharma, another new addition, dismissed the dangerous Andre Russell.
KKR’s Middle-Order Struggles Continue
Despite a solid Rahane-Narine partnership, KKR’s last 10 overs produced just 67 runs. Their famed middle-order, including Russell and Venkatesh Iyer, failed to capitalize.
Kohli and RCB’s Batting Depth a Big Threat
Kohli’s controlled aggression, along with RCB’s power-packed batting unit, suggests that they could be one of the most dangerous teams in IPL 2025.
Conclusion: RCB Announce Their Arrival in Style
The IPL 2025 opener set the tone for an exciting season. RCB’s disciplined bowling and explosive batting unit proved too strong for the defending champions KKR. With a comfortable victory in their first match, RCB have made a strong statement about their title aspirations.
Final Score: KKR: 174/6 (20 overs) | Rahane 56, Narine 44, Krunal 3-29. RCB: 175/3 (16.4 overs) | Salt 56, Kohli 59, Patidar 34*. RCB won by 7 wickets with 22 balls to spare.