KKR vs RCB Highlights - IPL 2025 | Virat Kohli, Salt Power RCB to Dominant Win Over KKR in IPL 2025 Opener

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season commenced with a thrilling encounter between the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. RCB emerged victorious, defeating the defending champions KKR by seven wickets, setting a robust tone for their campaign.

Spirited comeback with the ball ✅
Dominating effort with the bat ✅@RCBTweets are up and away in #TATAIPL 2025 with a commanding win over #KKR ❤️

Scorecard ▶ https://t.co/C9xIFpQDTn#KKRvRCB pic.twitter.com/zs6fXmhYv9

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) March 22, 2025

KKR's Innings: A Tale of Two Halves

Winning the toss, RCB's new skipper, Rajat Patidar, opted to field, aiming to exploit any early pitch advantages. KKR's innings began on a shaky note with Quinton de Kock departing for a mere 4 runs, courtesy of Josh Hazlewood's disciplined bowling. However, the momentum shifted as captain Ajinkya Rahane and Sunil Narine orchestrated a scintillating partnership. Rahane showcased his aggressive intent, racing to a 25-ball fifty, while Narine complemented him with a brisk 44 off 26 deliveries. Their 103-run stand propelled KKR to a commanding position at 107/1 after 10 overs.

The narrative altered dramatically post the strategic timeout. RCB's bowlers, led by Krunal Pandya, initiated a remarkable comeback. Pandya's spell was pivotal, claiming three crucial wickets, including those of Rahane and Venkatesh Iyer, stifling KKR's acceleration. The middle and lower order struggled to regain momentum, managing to add only 67 runs in the final 10 overs. KKR concluded their innings at 174/8, a total that seemed subpar given their explosive start.

RCB's Chase: Dominance from the Outset

RCB's reply was assertive and unrelenting. Openers Phil Salt and Virat Kohli launched an onslaught, dismantling KKR's bowling attack with precision and power. Salt was particularly aggressive, reaching his half-century in just 25 balls, peppering the boundary with nine fours and two sixes. Kohli, playing his 400th T20 match, exhibited his trademark finesse, anchoring the innings with an unbeaten 59 off 36 balls.

The duo's 95-run opening stand laid a solid foundation. Although KKR managed to dismiss Salt and Devdutt Padikkal in quick succession, the required run rate had already been decimated. Captain Rajat Patidar's brisk 34 off 16 balls ensured there were no late hiccups. RCB chased down the target comfortably, finishing at 177/3 in 16.2 overs, with 22 balls to spare.

Key Performances and Turning Points

• Ajinkya Rahane and Sunil Narine's Partnership: Their aggressive batting in the first half suggested a total well beyond 200, but the subsequent collapse highlighted a lack of depth in KKR's batting resilience.

• Krunal Pandya's Bowling: His spell of 3/29 was instrumental in derailing KKR's innings, particularly his dismissals of set batsmen Rahane and Iyer.

• Phil Salt's Explosive Start: His rapid half-century ensured RCB's chase was always ahead of the required rate, nullifying any pressure from KKR's bowlers.

• Virat Kohli's Milestone Match: In his 400th T20 appearance, Kohli's composed innings not only anchored the chase but also exemplified his enduring class and consistency.

Captains' Reflections

Rajat Patidar, elated with the win, praised his team's resilience and execution. "Opting to bowl first was strategic, and our bowlers vindicated that decision with a stellar performance in the latter half of KKR's innings," he remarked.

Ajinkya Rahane acknowledged the need for introspection. "Our start was ideal, but losing momentum in the middle overs cost us. We need to address these lapses and bounce back stronger," he stated.

Looking Ahead

RCB's emphatic victory sends a strong message to other contenders, showcasing their depth and balance. KKR, despite the loss, exhibited flashes of brilliance and will aim to rectify their middle-order vulnerabilities in upcoming matches. As the IPL 2025 season unfolds, fans can anticipate more such exhilarating contests, underscoring the league's reputation for high-octane cricketing action.

Kolkata Knight Riders vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru, 1st Match
Eden Gardens, Kolkata – 22 March 2025

Kolkata Knight Riders: 174/8 (20 overs; Ajinkya Rahane 56, Sunil Narine 44; Krunal Pandya 3-29, Josh Hazlewood 2-22)
Royal Challengers Bengaluru: 177/3 (16.2 overs; Virat Kohli 59*, Phil Salt 56; Varun Chakaravarthy 1-43, Sunil Narine 1-27)

Result: Royal Challengers Bengaluru won by 7 wickets