Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) set the tone for their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 journey with a dominant statement victory against defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), winning by seven wickets at Eden Gardens. The win rested on dominant half-centuries from Phil Salt and Virat Kohli, piloting RCB to a facile chase of 175 with 22 balls remaining.
Rajat Patidar, captain for the season, won the toss and elected to bowl first. KKR began strongly, with the captain Ajinkya Rahane making 56 and Sunil Narine giving a swift 44. Together, they propel the host team to 107/1 at the mid-point. Then, a decisive bowling performance from Krunal Pandya (3/29) and Josh Hazlewood (2/22) snapped KKR out of its run. The lower and middle order could not sustain a good start, ultimately standing at 174/8.
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RCB’s pursuit was all about deliberate belligerence. Opener Phil Salt and Virat Kohli asserted themselves from the beginning. Salt, who was let go by KKR ahead of the 2025 mega auction, appeared to make a statement against his old team. His 56 off 31 balls comprised a merciless rampage on Varun Chakravarthy, smacking him for 20 runs in an over.
Post-match, Salt spoke of his feelings about playing against his former team and forming a vital stand with Kohli. “Maybe the partnership (was the most pleasing). Kohli and I haven’t batted a lot together, and to share a stand like that was great. I do know this ground very well and know these lads (KKR) very well,” said Phill Salt, looking back at the match.
How good was that opening partnership from Phil Salt and Virat Kohli?! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/zI7rvvdfiH
— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) March 22, 2025
Virat Kohli, on the other hand, was the epitome of calm, not out on 59 from 36 deliveries. His batting was a combination of planned shots and controlled strike rotation. Kohli has usually been criticized for his strike rate in T20 cricket, but this innings proved critics wrong, as he identified gaps with precision and dealt with loose balls with ease.
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Rajat Patidar chipped in with a whirlwind 34 off 16 deliveries to ensure there were no late slips, confirming the victory for RCB in style. This all-round win sets the tone for RCB’s campaign to win their first IPL title.
With a perfect blend of veteran campaigners and explosive young guns, the team seems set to end their title jinx. Next, they host the Chennai Super Kings at Chepauk on March 28, hoping to continue their initial momentum. For KKR, back to the drawing board as they look to come back strong and retain their title.
