IPL 2025 Match 1 Recap: RCB Crush KKR by 7 Wickets
The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 kicked off in grand fashion as RCB crushed KKR by 7 wickets at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. RCB, led by Rajat Patidar, chased down a 174-run target in just 16.2 overs, securing a statement win in the season opener. This victory not only gave them an early advantage in the tournament but also served as redemption for their previous losses against KKR in past seasons.
RCB’s Commanding Chase Led by Virat Kohli and Phil Salt
Virat Kohli anchored the chase with a solid half-century, while Phil Salt’s explosive start set the tone for an effortless pursuit. The duo attacked KKR’s bowling from the outset, ensuring RCB remained ahead in the powerplay. Kohli’s form at the start of the season has already put opponents on notice, proving that he remains a force to be reckoned with.
- Phil Salt and Virat Kohli dominated the powerplay, taking RCB to 80/0 in just six overs.
- Salt smashed KKR’s Varun Chakravarthy for 21 runs in a single over, signaling RCB’s aggressive intent.
- Rajat Patidar’s 16-ball 34 ensured there were no late hiccups, with Liam Livingstone finishing the game in style with a six and a four.
- The batting lineup displayed a fearless approach, capitalizing on KKR’s bowling inconsistencies.
- RCB’s intent was clear from the beginning, sending a strong message to other teams in the league.
Bowlers Set the Stage for RCB’s Win
RCB’s bowlers played a crucial role in restricting KKR to a below-par total of 174. The disciplined bowling attack, led by Krunal Pandya and Josh Hazlewood, prevented KKR’s batters from building momentum, limiting their ability to accelerate in the death overs.
- Krunal Pandya (3/29) and Josh Hazlewood (2/22) kept KKR’s batters under control.
- Ajinkya Rahane’s half-century was the only highlight for KKR’s batting lineup.
- The defending champions failed to capitalize on a good start, losing quick wickets in the middle overs.
- KKR’s lower middle order collapsed under pressure, leaving them short of the 200-run mark.
- Hazlewood’s early breakthroughs gave RCB the upper hand in the powerplay itself.
KKR’s Struggles and Post-Match Reactions
KKR’s captain Ajinkya Rahane admitted the team was aiming for 200+, but a few quick dismissals derailed their plans. “We were looking to push towards 210, but losing wickets in the middle overs cost us momentum,” Rahane stated. His frustration was evident as the defending champions struggled to gain control throughout the game.
Phil Salt, reflecting on RCB’s chase, credited the team’s batting strategy: “The key was to stay still and hit through the line. We planned to attack early, and it worked perfectly.” Salt’s familiarity with the Eden Gardens pitch worked to RCB’s advantage, allowing him to find the gaps with ease.
Key Takeaways from the Match
- RCB’s Redemption Against KKR: Having lost their last four encounters against KKR, RCB finally broke the jinx.
- Strong Net Run Rate Boost: Winning with 22 balls to spare significantly boosted RCB’s Net Run Rate (NRR).
- Weather Concerns: Rain was a looming threat before the match, with forecasts predicting a 90% chance of rainfall. However, the game proceeded without interruptions.
- KKR’s Middle-Order Woes: Despite a promising start, KKR’s batting depth remains a concern.
- RCB’s All-Round Performance: A well-balanced effort from both batters and bowlers ensured a comprehensive victory.
- Virat Kohli’s Early Impact: Kohli’s controlled knock in the chase was a positive sign for RCB’s upcoming fixtures.
- KKR’s Bowling Under Scrutiny: The inability to contain RCB’s top order raised concerns about their death bowling strategy.
Scoreboard
Kolkata Knight Riders Innings – 174/8 (20 Overs)
| Batter | R | B | 4s | 6s | SR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| de Kock (wk) | 4 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 80.00 |
| Sunil Narine | 44 | 26 | 5 | 3 | 169.23 |
| Ajinkya Rahane (c) | 56 | 31 | 6 | 4 | 180.65 |
| Venkatesh Iyer | 6 | 7 | 1 | 0 | 85.71 |
| Angkrish Raghuvanshi | 30 | 22 | 2 | 1 | 136.36 |
| Rinku Singh | 12 | 10 | 1 | 0 | 120.00 |
| Andre Russell | 4 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 133.33 |
| Ramandeep Singh | 6 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 66.67 |
| Harshit Rana | 5 | 6 | 1 | 0 | 83.33 |
| Spencer Johnson | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 100.00 |
Fall of Wickets: 4-1, 107-2, 109-3, 125-4, 145-5, 150-6, 168-7, 173-8.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru Innings – 177/3 (16.2 Overs)
| Batter | R | B | 4s | 6s | SR |
| Phil Salt | 56 | 31 | 9 | 2 | 180.65 |
| Virat Kohli | 59* | 36 | 4 | 3 | 163.89 |
| Devdutt Padikkal | 10 | 10 | 1 | 0 | 100.00 |
| Rajat Patidar (c) | 34 | 16 | 5 | 2 | 212.50 |
| Liam Livingstone | 15* | 5 | 2 | 1 | 300.00 |
Fall of Wickets: 95-1, 118-2, 162-3.
What’s Next in IPL 2025?
RCB’s victory sets a high standard for the tournament. As teams gear up for their next fixtures, KKR will aim to bounce back stronger, while RCB will look to build on this momentum. Fans can expect thrilling contests ahead, with teams analyzing their strategies based on the first few matches.
RCB will take on their next opponent with confidence, knowing that their well-rounded performance in this match has given them an edge. Meanwhile, KKR’s think tank will need to rework their plans to ensure they don’t repeat the same mistakes in their upcoming games.
Stay tuned for more IPL 2025 updates and in-depth match analysis!
