The 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) season kicked off in electrifying fashion as Royal Challengers Bengaluru made an impressive start with an extraordinary seven-wicket win over Kolkata Knight Riders in the opening match of the tournament on Saturday at Eden Gardens.
KKR, who were put to bat, spluttered their way to a total of 174/8 in 20 overs, but it was a breathtaking display of power-hitting from Virat Kohli and Phil Salt that ensured RCB’s successful chase. Chasing KKR’s 174/8, RCB’s batter Liam Livingstone hit the winning runs down the ground for four in the 17th over, as his side finished at 177/3 in 16.2 overs.
KKR, despite having a cracking start, could not capitalize on their batting innings as their middle order faltered. Skipper Ajinkya Rahane and Sunil Narine cracked 56 and 44 respectively, but other batters failed to build partnerships, putting the side on the back foot. In the end, they managed to reach a total of 174, which, though competitive, was far from incredible given the explosive batting lineup of RCB.
Meanwhile, RCB batters wasted no time in asserting their dominance, thanks to an explosive start from their opening pair of Phil Salt and Virat Kohli. The duo was in fine form from the outset, dispatching KKR’s bowlers to all corners of the Eden Gardens. Phil Salt played a blistering knock, striking a quickfire 56 off 31. While, Virat Kohli played a masterclass knock, notching up 59* off 36 to guide the side over the line.