Royal Challengers Bengaluru Triumph Over Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2025 Opener

The 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) season kicked off with a dominant performance from Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), who secured a commanding seven-wicket victory over Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Chasing a target of 175, RCB displayed an all-around performance to start their campaign on a high note.

A Strong Start for RCB

Rajat Patidar made an explosive impact in his new role as RCB captain, leading from the front with an aggressive 34 off just 16 balls. The opening duo of Virat Kohli and Phil Salt set the tone early, putting KKR under immense pressure during the powerplay. Salt, in particular, was ruthless, smashing Varun Chakravarthy for 21 runs in his first over. By the end of the powerplay, RCB had already raced to 80/0, establishing firm control over the chase.

KKR’s Struggles and RCB’s Decisive Finish

Despite a decent start from KKR, their innings lost momentum after the 13th over. Ajinkya Rahane, leading the charge alongside Venkatesh Iyer, aimed for a total of 200+, but a sudden collapse shifted the game in RCB’s favor. Krunal Pandya and Suyash Sharma bowled with precision, stifling KKR’s batting lineup and restricting them to a below-par total of 175. Pandya, who was named Player of the Match, credited his ability to adapt and execute variations in pace as key factors in his bowling success.

Patidar and Kohli ensured there were no hiccups in the chase. Despite Salt’s dismissal, Kohli anchored the innings with his characteristic composure, guiding RCB home with 22 balls to spare—one of their most dominant run chases when pursuing a target of 175 or more.

Post-Match Reactions

• Krunal Pandya (Player of the Match): “Playing in front of such a passionate crowd, I had to stay focused. If I got hit, I needed to bounce back with a good ball. The game is evolving, and as a bowler, you need to keep up with the batsmen who can hit sixes at will. I’ve been working on my variations, and I’m glad they paid off today.”
• Rajat Patidar (RCB Captain): “There was some pressure, but it was a great day for us. Our bowlers showed immense courage and determination from the 13th over onward. It’s always an honor to play alongside someone like Kohli. He’s a legend, and there’s so much to learn from him.”
• Phil Salt: “Batting with Kohli was a fantastic experience. We don’t get to bat together often, so I really enjoyed it. The pitch played well in the second innings, and we capitalized on it.”
• Ajinkya Rahane (KKR Captain): “We were in a good position until the 13th over, but losing quick wickets shifted the momentum. We had initially targeted 200+, but unfortunately, we fell short. The dew factor played a role, but overall, RCB’s batting was simply too strong today.”

RCB’s Record-Breaking Chase

RCB has historically struggled against KKR, losing four consecutive matches in the last two seasons. However, this dominant performance marked a significant turnaround. Notably, this was one of RCB’s most emphatic run chases when pursuing 175+ targets:

• 2024 vs Gujarat Titans (Ahmedabad): Target 201, won with 24 balls remaining
• 2025 vs Kolkata Knight Riders (Kolkata): Target 175, won with 22 balls remaining
• 2021 vs Rajasthan Royals (Mumbai WS): Target 178, won with 21 balls remaining
• 2018 vs Delhi Capitals (Bengaluru): Target 175, won with 12 balls remaining

With this win, RCB not only started their campaign on a high note but also gained an early Net Run Rate (NRR) boost, which could prove crucial later in the season.

Looking Ahead

The IPL 2025 season is just getting started, and fans can expect daily action-packed matches over the next two months. Tomorrow brings a double-header, promising more excitement. Stay tuned for all the latest updates and insights from the tournament. See you at the next game!