Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) started IPL 2025 with a dominant seven-wicket win over defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). New acquisitions delivered for RCB, ensuring a smooth chase of 175 after restricting KKR to 174 for 8.
Josh Hazlewood returned strongly after an injury layoff, using Eden Gardens’ spongy bounce to stifle KKR’s powerplay and death overs. He took 2 for 22 in four overs, while Krunal Pandya dismantled the middle order with 3 for 29. Despite Ajinkya Rahane’s 56 and Sunil Narine’s 44, KKR struggled outside a 98-run partnership between the two.
Rahane and Narine Provide Momentum
Hazlewood set the tone by dismissing Quinton de Kock early and troubling Narine. Rahane took charge, exploiting RCB’s straight deliveries to pile up runs on the leg side. Narine joined in, attacking Suyash Sharma for 22 runs in the ninth over. However, RCB clawed back when Narine fell to Rasikh Salam. Krunal then capitalized, dismissing Rahane, Venkatesh Iyer, and Rinku Singh, while Suyash cleaned up Andre Russell, who continues to struggle against the wrong’un.
KKR’s last four overs yielded just 23 runs as Hazlewood and Yash Dayal applied pressure. Angkrish Raghuvanshi couldn’t accelerate, leaving KKR 15-20 runs short.
Salt and Kohli Dominate the Chase
Phil Salt, RCB’s new opener, punished his former team for releasing him. He smashed 56 off 31 balls, ensuring a blistering start. Virat Kohli, who anchored the chase with 59 off 36 balls, maintained an aggressive approach even after Salt’s dismissal. Rajat Patidar, RCB’s new captain, chipped in with a quick 34 off 16, guiding the team home with 22 balls to spare.
RCB’s emphatic win, powered by their fresh acquisitions, boosts their confidence and net run rate early in the tournament.
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