Kohli and Salt Lead RCB to a Commanding Seven-Wicket Victory
RCB 177/3 (Kohli 59, Salt 56, Patidar 34) def. KKR 174/8 (Rahane 56, Narine 44, Krunal 3-29, Hazlewood 2-22) by 7 wickets*
The much-anticipated IPL 2025 season commenced with a thrilling showdown between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at Eden Gardens. With fresh rosters following the latest mega auction, both sides aimed to make an emphatic statement. However, it was RCB who stole the show, delivering a clinical performance that exposed KKR’s inconsistencies.
Hazlewood and Krunal Wreak Havoc on KKR’s Batting Line-Up
Josh Hazlewood, returning to the IPL after missing the previous season, proved why RCB went all-in to reacquire him. Utilizing the spongy bounce of Eden Gardens, Hazlewood struck early, unsettling KKR’s top order. His opening spell saw him remove Quinton de Kock in the second over after an initial dropped chance, immediately shifting the momentum in RCB’s favor.
While KKR momentarily regained control through Ajinkya Rahane’s aggressive fifty, Krunal Pandya played the pivotal role in RCB’s resurgence. The left-arm spinner expertly varied his pace, dismantling KKR’s middle order with crucial wickets of Rahane, Venkatesh Iyer, and Rinku Singh. By the time Krunal completed his spell, KKR’s innings had lost all momentum, limping to 174/8 in their allotted 20 overs.
Rahane and Narine Provide Brief Resistance
After a rocky start, Rahane and Sunil Narine turned the tide momentarily, smashing 98 runs in just over six overs. Rahane capitalized on RCB’s persistent straight deliveries, dispatching them consistently over the leg-side boundary. Meanwhile, Narine took on his former teammate Suyash Sharma, dispatching him over the off-side in a blistering ninth over that yielded 22 runs.
However, their efforts were undone when Narine misjudged a Rasikh Salam delivery, mistimed his shot, and fell victim to the extra bounce. With Rahane soon following, KKR’s innings unraveled rapidly, as they failed to capitalize on the explosive foundation laid by their top order.
RCB’s Chase: A Masterclass in Controlled Aggression
Chasing 175, Phil Salt wasted no time asserting dominance against his former team. The English batter, who was instrumental in KKR’s 2024 title triumph, reminded them of their mistake in letting him go. His explosive 56 off 31 balls dismantled KKR’s early bowling plans, particularly punishing Varun Chakravarthy, from whom he took 20 runs in one over.
Virat Kohli, playing with renewed aggression, ensured there were no hiccups. His composed yet assertive knock of 59* off 36 balls steered RCB home with 22 balls to spare. New captain Rajat Patidar provided an ideal supporting role, accelerating the chase with a quickfire 34 off 16 deliveries.
Turning Point: Krunal’s Spell and Salt’s Onslaught
The match turned decisively in RCB’s favor when Krunal dismantled KKR’s middle order. By restricting KKR’s finishers and preventing a late flourish, RCB ensured a manageable chase. Salt’s aggressive intent from the first over sealed KKR’s fate, making their total look inadequate on a batting-friendly surface.
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Conclusion: A Statement Win for RCB
This commanding seven-wicket win positions RCB as early title contenders. Their disciplined bowling, coupled with a fearless batting approach, exposed KKR’s vulnerabilities. While Rahane and Narine’s heroics offered a brief spark for KKR, the lack of lower-order firepower proved costly.
With this victory, RCB not only secures two crucial points but also establishes a strong net run rate advantage—potentially invaluable in the race for playoff spots. As the tournament progresses, KKR will need to reassess their strategies, while RCB will look to maintain their dominance.
