In the first match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) defeated Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) by seven wickets at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata.
RCB won the toss and chose to field first on a pitch that appeared headed for a 200-plus score. However, KKR could only manage 174/8 owing to some excellent middle-over bowling from RCB. Suyash Sharma and Krunal Pandya‘s spin proved essential, along with Josh Hazlewood‘s critical wickets late in the game helped RCB seize the advantage.
Chasing 175, RCB got off to a great start in the powerplay, scoring 80 for no loss. Phil Salt (56) and Virat Kohli (59*) formed a strong opening partnership of 95 runs, virtually sealing the game. The former Knight spared no bowler, even blasting Varun Chakravarthy for 21 runs in his opening over. Devdutt Padikkal (10) also contributed, but it was skipper Rajat Patidar (34) who delivered a quickfire knock to get his team over the line. Not to mention, Liam Livingstone (15) smashed a few into the stands. RCB clinched the chase in just 16.2 overs.
For KKR, skipper Ajinkya Rahane (56) and Sunil Narine (44) forged an excellent partnership, taking on the bowlers and delivering a significant boost in the powerplay. Rahane played an aggressive knock in his debut as captain of the reigning champions, roaring six fours and four sixes to show off a new side of his game. However, KKR quickly started losing wickets on a regular basis. Angkrish Raghuvanshi (30) scored few runs, although at a lower strike rate. Andre Russell, Rinku Singh, and Ramandeep Singh all failed to produce, leaving the Knights on 174/8 after 20 overs.
For RCB with the ball, Pandya scalped three wickets, while Hazelwood also got two vital wickets at the end. One wicket each was also taken by Yash Dayal, Rasikh Salam and Suyash Sharma.
KKR while defending only could grab three wickets. Vaibhav Arora, Varun Chakaravarthy, and Sunil Narine grabbed one wicket each. Rahane’s defensive leadership, notably his choice not to bring Sunil Narine into the attack early, was a major factor in KKR’s defeat.
Krunal Pandya was adjudged POTM for his top performance with the ball. With this result, RCB have bagged their first win of the season.
Scorecard:
Kolkata Knight Riders: 174/8, Overs 20, Ajinkya Rahane 56, Krunal Pandya 3/29
Royal Challengers Bengaluru: 177/3, Overs 16.2, Virat Kohli 59*, Sunil Narine 1/27