RCB Decimate KKR on Opening Night of IPL 2025

RCB's Bowlers Lead Comeback to Secure 7-Wicket Win

Royal Challengers Bengaluru sent a statement on the opening night of IPL 2025 with a resounding win over defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders. RCB's bowlers led their team's comeback in the second half of KKR's innings by managing to restrict the hosts to 174 for 8 on a placid batting surface.

PowerPlay – RCB's Explosive Start

RCB's new opening pair of Phil Salt and Virat Kohli registered explosive half-centuries to send the champions to a crushing defeat. The chase appeared to be so effortless as RCB's bowlers managed to restrict KKR to 174 for 8.

Middle Overs – Krunal's Impact

RCB's comeback began as Krunal returned to the attack to make a huge impact. He got rid of Ajinkya Rahane before dismissing Venkatesh Iyer in his next over. In his final over, he bowled another quicker delivery to breach Rinku Singh's defence.

Death Overs – RCB's Dream Finish

Suyash bowled a well-disguised googly to rattle Andre Russell's stumps. That was a telling blow for the home side as RCB closed out the innings in excellent fashion. Josh Hazlewood conceded just 15 runs in his final two overs.

RCB's Chasing Effort

The Eden crowd by now are used to watching Salt going bonkers. He started off the chase with a cover drive that went for a boundary and then sent Vaibhav Arora out of the attack with an eventful over that saw him fetch two fours and a six. Virat Kohli wasn't left far too behind as he hit identical sixes off Spencer Johnson.

Brief Scores

• Kolkata Knight Riders: 174/8 in 20 overs (Ajinkya Rahane 56, Sunil Narine 44; Krunal Pandya 3/29)
• Royal Challengers Bengaluru: 177/3 in 16.2 overs (Virat Kohli 59*, Phil Salt 56; Sunil Narine 1/27)

With this statement victory, RCB will now be brimming with confidence as they travel to Chennai for another away game.