Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) started their IPL 2025 campaign with a bang, securing a convincing seven-wicket win over defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the iconic Eden Gardens on Saturday. Led by new skipper Rajat Patidar, RCB showcased their dominance with both bat and ball to kick off their season in style.
Chasing a competitive target of 175, RCB’s dynamic opening pair of Phil Salt and Virat Kohli stole the show. The duo put on a blistering 95-run stand in just 8.3 overs, setting the foundation for an easy chase. Salt was the aggressor, hammering 56 off 31 balls with nine fours and two sixes. Kohli, the “chase master,” remained unbeaten on 59 off 36 deliveries, guiding RCB to 177/3 in 16.2 overs. Though KKR managed to pick up a few wickets, the damage had already been done, with Liam Livingstone sealing the victory with a boundary.
The turning point of the match, however, came in the first innings when Krunal Pandya produced a remarkable spell to restrict KKR.