The opening match of the IPL 2025 season between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) had a moment of controversy involving Sunil Narine. While Narine was batting, the bails unexpectedly fell, catching the attention of Virat Kohli. Replays suggested that Narine might have accidentally knocked the bails with his bat during his stroke.
Kohli was seen asking wicket-keeper Jitesh Sharma, “How did the bails fall off?” to which Jitesh replied that he was focused on the ball. Though RCB’s skipper Rajat Patidar made a mild appeal, the umpires did not take any action. If Narine had been declared out for hit-wicket, it could have significantly impacted KKR’s total. However, no formal review was conducted, and Narine continued his innings.
What just happened there? 👀#RCB fans, was that OUT or NOT? 🤔
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) March 22, 2025
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Narine and Rahane Built a Strong Foundation
Despite the hit-wicket confusion, Sunil Narine played a crucial knock, scoring 44 runs off 26 balls, including five boundaries and three sixes. He built a solid partnership of 103 runs with Ajinkya Rahane, helping KKR reach 107/1 in just 9.5 overs. Rahane, who contributed 56 runs off 31 balls, was in fine form and kept the scoreboard ticking. However, the momentum shifted after Narine was dismissed on the last ball of the 10th over.
Rahane followed soon after, departing just three balls later. This marked the beginning of a collapse that KKR could not recover from. Their middle order, comprising Venkatesh Iyer (6), Rinku Singh (12), and Andre Russell (4), failed to make an impact, resulting in KKR managing only 174 runs in their innings.
RCB’s Dominant Chase and KKR’s Poor Start
Chasing a target of 175, RCB got off to a blazing start, thanks to Phil Salt and Virat Kohli. Salt, who previously played for KKR, seemed eager to prove a point as he and Kohli smashed half-centuries during the powerplay, propelling RCB to 80/0 in just six overs. Their aggressive approach laid the foundation for an easy chase, and RCB comfortably reached the target in just 16.2 overs.
The loss was a significant setback for KKR, as their net run rate dropped to -2.137, which might hurt their chances later in the season. KKR will now look to bounce back when they face Rajasthan Royals in Guwahati on March 26, while RCB will travel to Chennai to take on the Super Kings at Chepauk on March 28.
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