The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season started with a bang as Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) demolished the defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) by seven wickets at the iconic Eden Gardens. The game witnessed a disciplined bowling performance from Krunal Pandya and an incredible batting show from Phil Salt and Virat Kohli, ensuring a smooth victory for RCB.
Match Overview: RCB vs KKR IPL 2025 Opener
KKR, after electing to bat first, put up a total of 174/8 in their 20 overs. Despite a solid start, they crumbled under RCB’s bowling attack, particularly Krunal Pandya’s heroics. In response, RCB chased down the target in just 16.2 overs, led by power-packed innings from Salt and Kohli.
Krunal Pandya’s Stellar Bowling Performance
Bought by RCB for INR 5.75 crores, Krunal Pandya proved his worth with a stellar performance on a pitch that favored batters. He showcased his bowling prowess by breaking KKR’s momentum in the middle overs. Krunal dismissed KKR’s captain Ajinkya Rahane (56), vice-captain Venkatesh Iyer, and the dangerous Rinku Singh. His final figures of 4-0-29-3 were instrumental in restricting KKR to a below-par score.
Hardik Pandya’s Social Media Praise
Following Krunal’s match-winning spell, his brother and Mumbai Indians skipper, Hardik Pandya, took to Instagram to heap praise, highlighting Krunal’s crucial role in RCB’s success.
Instagram story by Hardik Pandya for Krunal Pandya ❤️
– The success story of Pandya brothers should be celebrated more in Indian cricket. pic.twitter.com/W57auZiiuM
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) March 22, 2025
KKR’s Struggle with the Bat
Ajinkya Rahane delivered a valiant half-century, scoring a brisk 56 off 31 balls, showcasing his leadership on the field. Sunil Narine complemented the effort with a quick-fire 44 off 26 balls, giving KKR a strong start. However, Narine’s dismissal triggered a collapse, leaving the middle order struggling to build on the momentum. Young talent Angkrish Raghuvanshi displayed promise with a 30-run cameo off 22 balls, but it wasn’t enough to guide KKR to a formidable total.
RCB’s Commanding Chase
Phil Salt, a former KKR player, made his presence felt against his old team, hammering 56 off just 31 balls to provide RCB an explosive start. Virat Kohli remained unbeaten on 59* off 36 balls, anchoring the chase and guiding RCB to a comfortable win. Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood supported Krunal with an economical spell, finishing with figures of 3/29, ensuring KKR never accelerated.
RCB will next take on Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on March 28, while KKR will look to bounce back against Rajasthan Royals on March 26.
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