RCB start IPL 2025 in style with a 7-wicket thrashing of defending champions KKR as Kohli, Salt, and Patidar shine at Eden Gardens
Kolkata, March 23 – The 2025 edition of the Indian Premier League got off to a blockbuster start as Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) stunned defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) by 7 wickets at Eden Gardens on Saturday.
Led by new skipper Rajat Patidar, RCB chased down a target of 175 with clinical precision, riding on a blazing opening stand between Phil Salt (56) and the ever-reliable Virat Kohli (59).*
“When Virat’s in the mood, you just watch,” remarked an RCB teammate, summing up the maestro’s unbeaten knock that echoed through Eden Gardens.
Salt & Kohli Set the Stage on Fire
RCB’s chase began with fireworks as Phil Salt and Kohli raced to 80/0 in the powerplay, the second-highest in RCB’s IPL history. Salt played the aggressor, hammering 21 runs off Varun Chakravarthy in one over, while Kohli masterfully rotated strike before accelerating post-powerplay.
Despite late wickets falling — Salt to Chakravarthy, Padikkal to Narine, and Patidar to Vaibhav Arora, RCB never lost control. Kohli brought up his fifty with a majestic lofted boundary, and Liam Livingstone (15) finished the match in style* with a four, a six, and a boundary to seal the win.
RCB Bowlers Restrict KKR to 174
Earlier, Patidar won the toss and opted to bowl first. KKR openers Quinton de Kock (4) and Sunil Narine (44 off 26) had contrasting outings. While Narine launched a counter-attack, de Kock fell in the first over to Josh Hazlewood.
Ajinkya Rahane (56 off 34) looked in sublime touch, building a century stand with Narine before both fell in quick succession. KKR’s middle order collapsed under pressure, with Krunal Pandya (3/29) triggering a slide.
Venkatesh Iyer (6), Rinku Singh (2), and Andre Russell (7) failed to convert, while Angrish Raghuvanshi’s 30 off 22 gave some late momentum. KKR managed 174/8, well below par given their strong start.
RCB’s All-Round Show Sends a Message
This win was a statement of intent from the new-look RCB under Rajat Patidar, with balanced bowling, explosive top-order batting, and veteran consistency from Kohli.
RCB’s Krunal Pandya was the pick of the bowlers with 3/29, supported by Hazlewood (2/22), Suyash Sharma, Yash Dayal, and Rasikh Salam, who took one wicket apiece.
Match Summary:
Kolkata Knight Riders: 174/8 (Rahane 56, Narine 44; Krunal 3/29)
Royal Challengers Bengaluru: 177/3 in 17.3 overs (Kohli 59*, Salt 56; Narine 1/27)
Result: RCB won by 7 wickets
Player of the Match: Virat Kohli