RCB Rampage at Eden
The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 kicked off with a blockbuster clash between the defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on March 22, 2025, at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata. This match, marking the opening encounter of the 18th season, reignited one of the oldest rivalries in the tournament’s history, a throwback to the inaugural IPL game in 2008 when these two teams first faced off.
Back then, KKR had stormed to a 140-run victory, powered by Brendon McCullum’s unforgettable 158*, setting the tone for what would become a fiercely contested rivalry. Fast forward to 2025, and the stakes were just as high, with KKR entering as title holders after their triumph over Sunrisers Hyderabad in the 2024 final, while RCB, still chasing their elusive first IPL trophy, aimed to make a statement under new captain Rajat Patidar.
The match began with RCB winning the toss and electing to bowl first, a decision influenced by the overcast conditions and the potential for dew later in the evening, which could favor the chasing side. KKR’s batting lineup, led by their new captain Ajinkya Rahane, took to the crease with intent. Openers Quinton de Kock and Sunil Narine provided a steady start, though de Kock fell early to Josh Hazlewood, who struck in his first over to give RCB an initial breakthrough.
Rahane, however, anchored the innings with a classy 56 off 35 balls, displaying his trademark elegance mixed with calculated aggression. Narine, playing a more measured role than his usual explosive self, contributed 44 off 26 balls, and together, the duo forged a crucial 103-run partnership that put KKR in a commanding position. By the 10-over mark, KKR had raced to 107/2, with the Eden Gardens crowd roaring in approval as the home side looked set to post a daunting total.
However, the tide turned dramatically in the second half of KKR’s innings. RCB’s bowlers, spearheaded by left-arm spinner Krunal Pandya, staged a remarkable comeback. Pandya, who finished with figures of 3/29, dismissed Rahane, Venkatesh Iyer, and Rinku Singh in quick succession, disrupting KKR’s momentum. His disciplined stump-to-stump bowling, combined with clever variations in pace, proved too much for the KKR middle order.
Josh Hazlewood supported with two wickets, including Harshit Rana’s in the final over, while Yash Dayal and Suyash Sharma kept the runs in check. From a position of strength at 107/2, KKR stumbled to 174/8 in their 20 overs, adding just 67 runs in the last 10 overs while losing six wickets. The Eden Gardens pitch, known for its batting-friendly nature with short boundaries, had offered some turn and bounce, which RCB exploited effectively in the latter stages.
Chasing 175, RCB’s batting lineup wasted no time in asserting dominance. The new opening pair of Phil Salt, making his RCB debut after switching from KKR, and Virat Kohli set the tone with an electrifying 95-run stand in just 8.3 overs. Salt was the aggressor, smashing 56 off 31 balls, including nine fours and two sixes, announcing his arrival in Bengaluru colors with a destructive 25-ball fifty. Kohli, playing his 400th T20 match, complemented Salt with a more measured yet ruthless approach, finishing unbeaten on 59 off 36 balls, with four boundaries and three sixes.
Their partnership took full advantage of the powerplay, racing to 80/0 in six overs, leaving KKR’s bowlers shell-shocked. Varun Chakravarthy eventually broke through by dismissing Salt, but the damage was done. Devdutt Padikkal managed only a brief stay, but captain Rajat Patidar injected further momentum with a brisk 34 off 16 balls, ensuring there was no way back for KKR. Liam Livingstone sealed the chase with a boundary off Spencer Johnson in the 16.2nd over, as RCB cruised to 177/3 with 22 balls to spare.
KKR’s bowling attack, featuring the experienced duo of Sunil Narine and Varun Chakravarthy, struggled to contain RCB’s onslaught. Narine, usually a trump card at Eden Gardens, was taken for 21 runs in his first over, setting the tone for RCB’s dominance. Andre Russell and Harshit Rana picked up a wicket each, but the dew made gripping the ball difficult, and KKR’s fielding appeared lackluster, with no real plan to stem the flow of runs. The defending champions, despite their strong historical edge over RCB (20-14 before this match), looked rusty after their early batting promise faded, and their total of 174 proved inadequate on a surface where 200 is often the par score.
For RCB, this victory was a statement of intent. Krunal Pandya earned the Player of the Match award for his game-changing spell, while Salt and Kohli’s explosive start showcased the team’s batting firepower. Patidar’s aggressive captaincy, backing his strike bowlers like Pandya and Hazlewood, paid dividends, and his own contribution with the bat underlined his leadership credentials. The win boosted RCB’s Net Run Rate significantly, giving them a flying start to the season. Post-match, Pandya highlighted the importance of adapting to modern T20 batting trends, crediting his variations for turning the game, while Kohli praised Salt’s aggression and emphasized the team’s clear game plan.
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As the dust settled on this season opener, KKR would reflect on a missed opportunity, knowing they let a strong position slip. Their middle order will need to step up in future games, and their bowlers will hope for better conditions to execute their plans. For RCB, the triumph over the defending champions in their own backyard was a morale booster, setting the tone for their campaign. With 73 matches to go in IPL 2025, this thrilling encounter at Eden Gardens promised another season of high-octane cricket, leaving fans eagerly awaiting the next chapter in this storied rivalry when the two teams meet again on May 17 at Bengaluru’s M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.
