Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) kicked off the IPL 2025 season in style, defeating Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) by 7 wickets at Eden Gardens on Saturday. A brilliant chase, powered by half-centuries from Virat Kohli and Phil Salt, ensured a smooth victory for RCB. Captain Rajat Patidar added a quickfire contribution, while Liam Livingstone finished the job with a flurry of boundaries.
Earlier, RCB’s bowlers set the tone after opting to field. Krunal Pandya’s stellar 3/29, backed by Josh Hazlewood’s twin strikes, restricted KKR to 174/8. Despite a blazing start from KKR’s debutant skipper Ajinkya Rahane, who smashed a 25-ball fifty alongside Sunil Narine in a 100-run stand, RCB’s spinners turned the tide in the middle overs.
KKR, the defending champions from last season, and RCB, who staged a playoff comeback after a shaky start in the previous edition, both revamped their lineups following the mega auction. For KKR, all eyes are on Venkatesh Iyer, whose hefty price tag raised eyebrows. Though he’s delivered match-defining knocks before, every move he makes this season will be closely watched.
Meanwhile, RCB boasts Virat Kohli as their talisman, but the spotlight is on their English contingent. Capable of turning games single-handedly on their best days, these players have struggled recently on the international stage. For RCB to shine, their English stars must find their rhythm and fire in unison.
