RCB Beats KKR in IPL 2025 Opener with Kohli's Match-Winning Fifty

In the opening match of the IPL 2025, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) lost to Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) at Eden Gardens. Virat Kohli, starting where he left off last season, led his team to victory with an unbeaten half-century. RCB chased down the target of 175 runs in just 16.2 overs, securing a comfortable 7-wicket win.

The defending champions, Kolkata Knight Riders, had a disappointing start to the new season. After being put in to bat, KKR posted 174 runs in 20 overs, losing 8 wickets in the process. However, chasing the target was not a challenge for RCB, as they reached the target with 22 balls to spare.

KKR’s innings got off to a strong start, as they scored 107 runs in the first 10 overs, which made it seem like they might cross the 200-run mark. But the momentum faded quickly in the second half, as they managed only 67 runs in the last 10 overs, losing 7 wickets in the process. Their innings ended at 174 runs.

KKR faced early setbacks, losing a wicket in the first over, which put them under pressure. Captain Ajinkya Rahane and Sunil Narine steadied the ship, but KKR's innings fell apart after Krunal Pandya dismissed Rahane. Pandya was the standout performer, claiming 3 wickets for 29 runs in 4 overs, and was named the Player of the Match.

Chasing the target, RCB’s openers, Virat Kohli and Phil Salt, started aggressively from the very first ball. They did what KKR couldn't, building a big partnership. During the first powerplay, RCB scored 80 runs. Kohli remained unbeaten at 59 from 36 balls, guiding his team to victory.

RCB's impact player, Devdutt Padikkal, came in at number three, scoring 10 runs off 10 balls before being dismissed by Narine. Captain Rajat Patidar came in at number four, playing a quickfire knock of 34 runs from 26 balls, at a strike rate of 212.50. Liam Livingstone provided the finishing touch, scoring 15 runs from just 5 balls, ensuring RCB’s opening-match win.