The IPL 2025 kicked off with a thrilling clash between the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the iconic Eden Gardens. The excitement was palpable, and the star of the show was undoubtedly RCB’s talisman, Virat Kohli, who displayed his class while chasing a tricky target.
After winning the toss, RCB skipper Rajat Patidar opted to field first. KKR got off to a promising start, but their momentum faltered mid-innings, managing a total of 174/8 in their 20 overs. It was a competitive score, but with the firepower of RCB’s batting lineup, the chase was always going to be fascinating.
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Virat Kohli and Phil Salt opened the innings for RCB, and it didn’t take long for Kohli to make his mark. In the fifth over of the chase, facing Spencer Johnson, Kohli reminded everyone why he is hailed as one of the greatest in the game. The first two deliveries of the over were dispatched for towering sixes — the first a classic lofted shot over long-off, the second a similar, effortless strike.
The iconic Virat Kohli goes down the ground 😎
Sit back and enjoy his exquisite stroke play 🎁🍿@RCBTweets race away to 80/0 after 6 overs.
Updates ▶ https://t.co/C9xIFpQDTn#TATAIPL | #KKRvRCB | @imVkohli pic.twitter.com/w4imLyZgbA
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) March 22, 2025
Critics have often questioned Kohli’s pace in the T20 format, but these two masterful hits were a statement — the “King” still reigns supreme. Kohli’s fans will be hoping his form continues, guiding RCB to their elusive IPL title and silencing any remaining doubters once and for all. The tournament has just begun, but the intent from RCB’s star batter is crystal clear.
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Royal Challengers Bengaluru (Playing XI): Virat Kohli, Philip Salt(w), Rajat Patidar(c), Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma, Tim David, Krunal Pandya, Rasikh Dar Salam, Suyash Sharma, Josh Hazlewood, Yash Dayal.
Kolkata Knight Riders (Playing XI): Quinton de Kock(w), Venkatesh Iyer, Ajinkya Rahane(c), Rinku Singh, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Sunil Narine, Andre Russell, Ramandeep Singh, Spencer Johnson, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakaravarthy.
