In the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season opener, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) defeated the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at home. In the first match, which took place at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, RCB easily crossed the finish line as they chased 175 runs, with the opening duo scoring the majority of the goal.
Earlier in the match, the Rajat Patidar-led team accurately called the toss and put the reigning champions in to bat first. The Bengaluru team benefited greatly from the choice since, in spite of a terrible start, RCB recovered admirably and claimed a number of wickets in the middle overs. Krunal Pandya outperformed the KKR batsmen, taking out three key members of Kolkata’s lineup.
Talking Points
1. Krunal too cruel for Kolkata
The left-arm spinner had a nightmarish start after giving away fifteen runs in the first over he bowled. However, once the powerplay came to end, he was brought back into the attack, and skipper Ajinkya Rahane became his first victim of the night. Pandya then clean bowled dangerous batters Venkatesh Iyer and Rinku Singh to end with fabulous figures of 4-0-29-3. This performance also earned him a Player of the Match award, as his second spell completely got the game in favour of the Bengaluru-based franchise.
2. Salt-peppering and Virat run
The chase never seemed a difficulty for RCB batters, as the opening duo of Phil Salt and Virat Kohli wreaked havoc in the powerplay overs. The first six overs witnessed a flurry of boundaries being scored, resulting 80 runs without any wickets lost during the field restrictions. Salt made 56 off just 31 balls, while Kohli was at his very best, amassing 59 from 36, including four boundaries and a trio of maximums. Their partnership of 95 runs was broken by Varun Chakravarthy.
3. RaPa takes the finishing charge
Newly-appointed skipper Rajat Patidar was extremely pumped after the platform set by the openers. Five glorious boundaries across the Eden were also followed by a really, really huge sixer off Patidar’s blade, as the skipper departed after 34 off just 16 balls, although the ace batter could not stay till the end. After the finishing touch offered by Patidar, RCB could chase the target with 22 balls to spare to get the 2025 campaign running.
Who Said What?
Rajat Patidar, RCB Captain, said
There was pressure, of course, but it was a good day for me. Hope for more such days. (Bringing back Suyash for the fourth over) It was clear we wanted Russell’s wicket, him conceding runs didn’t matter. He is our strike bowler, we backed him. All credit goes to Krunal and Suyash, they were 130 off, the bowlers showed courage and determination. Feels great to captain Kohli, he supports a lot, great opportunity to learn from one of the best. (On the shot on 14.6) It was a pre-determined shot, I wanted to go over cover.
Ajinkya Rahane, KKR Captain, said
We went well till the 13th over, 2–3 wickets changed momentum. We have to learn from our mistakes. We thought 210-220 was par when Venky (Iyer) and I were batting, but we lost wickets. There was dew, but they had a very good powerplay. We couldn’t get early wickets. We don’t want to think too much about this game, just want to improve as a unit.
Krunal Pandya, Player of the Match, said
I just wanted to narrow down my focus upon returning in the 11th over. Glad I was able to deliver. You have to go with the flow, right now batters can hit sixes consistently, so you have to find ways to up your game. So, I wanted to bowl quick, changes of pace were useful too. Jitesh knows I can do anything, bowl a wide yorker or bouncer, so he’s aware. You have to use what you have in your arsenal. Once I got into the team, I got to know about the madness. Even when I was playing domestic cricket in Bangalore, there were RCB chants. It’s been a great feeling in the last ten days with the team.
India
