Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) got their IPL 2025 season off to a winning start, producing a dominant 7-wicket win over defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at Eden Gardens. Virat Kohli, appearing in his 400th T20 game, remained 59 not out off 36 deliveries, guiding RCB’s pursuit of 175 with a scintillating opening partnership with Phil Salt.

Salt crushed 56 in 31 deliveries, establishing the trend as RCB reached 80 in the powerplay. The skipper, Rajat Patidar, supported with a quick 34 of 16 so that there would be no creeps in the chase. The top order of RCB just didn’t allow KKR any chance, pulverizing the bowing unit to just two wickets by Varun Chakravarthy and Sunil Narine.

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RCB’s bowling attack keeps KKR at 174/8

KKR found it tough to speed up despite skipper Ajinkya Rahane’s blistering 25-ball half-century and scintillating knock by Sunil Narine. RCB’s solid bowling line-up strangulated KKR’s middle and death overs and held them back at 174/8. Josh Hazlewood sent an early warning by dismissing Quinton de Kock in the very first over, and Krunal Pandya and Suyash Sharma imposed necessary brakes to dismiss big-ticket batters like Rinku Singh and Andre Russell.

IPL 2025 Kicks Off with a High-Voltage Clash

The highly awaited IPL 2025 opener at Eden Gardens revived one of the championship’s most enduring rivalries. From Brendon McCullum’s legendary 2008 century to last season’s nail-biting Karn Sharma-Mitchell Starc showdown, RCB vs. KKR always promises drama. With IPL 18 now in full swing, cricket fans are in for an electric season of cricket.

KKR vs RCB LIVE

RCB Won by 7 Wicket in Opener Match of IPL 2025 Against KKR

That’s a wrap for our coverage of KKR vs RCB, but IPL 2025 is just getting started!

Join us on The Daily Guardian Sports for all the live action and latest updates from the grand festival of Indian cricket.

Until then, thank you and goodbye!

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Sidhu on Kohli: A Fifty Like a Lion’s Roar!

Navjot Singh Sidhu was likely in full poetic flow as Virat Kohli smashed his fifty in the IPL 2025 opener against Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens on March 22. While there’s no exact quote from Sidhu captured yet, his signature commentary style—revived in IPL 2024—suggests he would have delivered a classic “Sidhuism.” Something like: “ये कोहली का पचास है, जैसे शेर की दहाड़, मैदान में गूंजती है, और गेंदबाजों को चुप कराती है!” (“Kohli’s fifty is like a lion’s roar, echoing through the field, silencing the bowlers!”).

Known for his colorful metaphors, Sidhu often compares Kohli’s class to fine wine or an unshakable rock in a storm. With Kohli anchoring the chase alongside Phil Salt, Sidhu likely praised his mental toughness, perhaps even declaring, “The king is ruling the Eden jungle tonight!” If Sidhu were on air, what one-liner do you think he would have dropped for this moment?

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Rajat Patidar, Captain of RCB

“There was pressure, but it was a good day for me. If we keep winning like this, it will be a good day. It was pretty clear for me – I don’t mind Suyash giving runs, he was our main wicket-taking bowler, so I backed him. (on Krunal and Suyash) All credit goes to both the bowlers, from 13 overs, they showed courage and determination. The mindset of taking wickets was really amazing. (on Kohli) It’s really great when you have a player like him, it’s a great opportunity for me to learn from one of the great players of the game. (on his shot off Harshit over backward point) That was pre-determined shot, I was going over covers, the ball nipped back and it went automatically.”

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Most balls remaining in successful chases of 175 or more for RCB

  • 24 vs GT, Ahmedabad, 2024 (target: 201)
  • 22 vs KKR, Kolkata, 2025 (target: 175)
  • 21 vs RR, Mumbai WS, 2021 (target: 178)
  • 12 vs DC, Bengaluru, 2018 (target: 175)

RCB had lost all four games against KKR across the last two editions, six out of seven since the IPL 2021 second leg.

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Krunal Pandya Named ‘Player of the Match’

A well-earned accolade for the all-rounder! The 33-year-old stepped up when Narine and Rahane were in full flow, taking three vital wickets—Rahane, Venkatesh, and Rinku—to shift the game in RCB’s favor. He keeps proving his value season after season.

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Significant Impact on NRR

In a tournament where every run matters, this defeat is a major net-run-rate blow for KKR and a big advantage for RCB. The men in purple will now have to secure dominant victories to recover from this heavy loss.

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RCB batter Phil Salt (56 off 31 balls)

Probably the partnership (talking about the most pleasing thing with the bat), we (Kohli and I) haven’t batted much together and to go out there and put in a partnership was really pleasing. It is a ground I know and I know these guys (KKR) very well. Yes, it did (the ball came on nicely in the second innings) and you just needed to stand still and hit the ball, it does make a difference. That is what we spoke about as a batting group, very pleased with the outcome. I had a great time here last year and won the trophy. Obviously there are no friends out there (in this league).

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KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane (56 off 31 balls)

“I thought we were going well till the 13th over but 2-3 wickets changed the momentum. Batters that followed tried their best but didn’t workout. When myself and Venky were batting we were discussing that 200-210 was achievable but those wickets changed the momentum. Little bit of dew was there but they had a very good powerplay with the bat. It (total) was under par. We were looking for 200+. We don’t want to think too much about this game but at the same time just try and get better in certain areas.”

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and it’s a WIN for RCB.

The finals FOUR by Livingstone emphatic win for RCB in 16.2 overs.

RCB have hammered KKR in their own den.

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SIX by Livingstone

Livingstone is in a mood to kill this game almost immediately. He shuffles across and gets under this short ball, pulls and the thick top-edge helps, flies over the RCB dugou

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Liam Livingstone Comes to the Crease

Royal Challengers Bengaluru need 8 runs in 28 balls

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OUT: RCB’s Caption Caught 34(16)

Chirag Bhuj Jaaye Koi Fayda Nhi, Siddhu on Patidar’s Wicket as he did his work to make a good partnership with Virat Kohli.

Rajat Patidar c Rinku Singh b Vaibhav Arora

RCB: 163/3 (15.3 Overs)

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Virat being ‘Virat’: 50 for Kohli

Match is getting close but Virat Kohli did his work.

Virat Kohli (53*) brings up his fifty in style, hitting a four off Harshat Rana. Kohli hit three sixes and four fours to reach the landmark in just 30 balls.

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OUT…Padikkal Caught by Ramandeep 10(10)

Ramandeep did not have to move an inch and show the way of pavilion to Padikkal

Virat Kohli 49 (29)*

Rajat Patidar : 1 (2)*

RCB: 119/2 (12 Over)

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1000-plus runs vs KKR in the IPL

  • 1093 – David Warner
  • 1070 – Rohit Sharma
  • 1000* – Virat Kohli

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Kohli Owns KKR: 1,000 IPL Runs and Counting!

Virat Kohli etches another milestone, becoming the first to score 1,000 IPL runs against KKR!

The King reigns supreme yet again!

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OUT…!!! Phil Salt going to Pavilion 56(31)

Phil Salt c Spencer Johnson b Varun Chakaravarthy

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Debut 50 of Phil Salt

Full on off, Phil Salt gets forward to drive to long-off, has been a sensational knock.

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Cool Calm Kohli;

Spencer Johnson serves it on a platter, and Kohli accepts with a grin—because why should everyone else have all the fun?

Salt: 48 (21)*

Kohli 25 (9)*

RCB: 75/0 (5 Over)

(Royal Challengers Bengaluru need 100 runs in 90 balls)

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Narine’s Lucky Escape: Hit Wicket Appeal Denied!

On the seventh over, Rasikh Salam delivered a short ball, which was a wide by the umpire’s judgment. In his attempt at the shot, Sunil Narine’s bat had struck the stumps unknowingly, toppling a bail. RCB made a peripheral appeal for hit wicket but was rejected since the ball had been declared dead and Narine’s touch of the stumps was not purposeful. On top of this, the delivery had reached the wicketkeeper Jitesh Sharma, ruling out the appeal.

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Salt and Kohli are spicing up RCB’s chase—too hot to handle or just a pinch of drama?

Salt 24 (14)*

Kohli 11 (4)*

RCB: 37/0 (3 Over)

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Kohli’s 400th T20 Match in IPL 2025 Opener

Royal Challengers Bengaluru star Virat Kohli is set to play his 400th T20 match in the IPL 2025 opener against Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens on Saturday. The 36-year-old will be featuring in his 18th consecutive IPL season and remains the only active player from the inaugural KKR vs. RCB clash in 2008 to appear in the season opener between the two sides after 17 years.

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KKR vs RCB LIVE Score: Run Chase Begins! Target – 175

Virat Kohli and Phil Salt step up to open RCB’s chase. Salt takes the strike as the visitors look to get off to a strong start.

Meanwhile, KKR have introduced Vaibhav Arora as their impact substitute, replacing Angkrish Raghuvanshi. The pacer will kick things off with the new ball.

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RCB needs 175 Runs To Win the first match of IPL 2025.

KKR stumbles and finishes at 174!

A rare occasion to applaud RCB’s bowling, as they stage a stunning comeback, spearheaded by Krunal Pandya.

KKR- 174-8 (20 Overs)

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OUT … Harshit Rana 5(6)

Harshit Rana c Jitesh Sharma b Hazlewood

(19.5 Over)

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LAST OVER NOW…!!!

Dew is starting to set in.

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Raghuvanshi OUT…!!! 30(22)

Caught by Jitesh Sharma

Angkrish Raghuvanshi c Jitesh Sharma b Yash Dayal 

Third catch of the day for Jitesh Sharma

169-7 (19 Over)

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Devdutt Padikkal – The First Impact Sub of IPL 2025!

RCB introduce Devdutt Padikkal as their Impact Sub! Suyash wraps up his spell after dismissing Russell and heads off the field, making way for Padikkal. Meanwhile, Liam Livingstone takes charge of the 17th over as RCB tightens the grip on KKR.

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Rahane Enters KKR’s Fastest Fifties List!

Ajinkya Rahane etched his name in KKR’s history books with a blistering 25-ball fifty against RCB in IPL 2025, showcasing his intent as captain. He now joins an elite list of KKR skippers who have smashed rapid half-centuries in the tournament.

Fastest fifty by a KKR captain in IPL:

  • 21 balls – Brendon McCullum vs CSK, 2009
  • 22 balls – Dinesh Karthik vs PBKS, 2018
  • 22 balls – Dinesh Karthik vs PBKS, 2020
  • 23 balls – Shreyas Iyer vs SRH, 2024
  • 25 balls – Nitish Rana vs SRH, 2023
  • 25 balls – Ajinkya Rahane vs RCB, 2025

With this knock, Rahane cements his spot among KKR’s most explosive leaders, proving that experience and aggression can go hand in hand.

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ANDRE Russell OUT…!!!

This is why you bowl straight to Dre Russ as a leggie if you have a googly.

KKR are losing their way here but they do have some batting left

Russell b Suyash Sharma 4(3)

150-6 (15.4 Over)

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OUT | Fourth wicket for Krunal Pandya

Rinku Singh, Bowled!!

Another quicker delivery that rushes the KKR and it’s shattered the castle.

Rinku Singh b Krunal Pandya 12(10)

146-5 (15 Over)

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Virat Kohli or Fast Bowler? Broadcaster Goofs Up!

A bizarre moment unfolded during the IPL 2025 opener between defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at Eden Gardens on March 22.

In the very first over bowled by RCB pacer Josh Hazlewood, the broadcaster mistakenly displayed Virat Kohli’s name instead of the Australian speedster. The amusing blunder didn’t go unnoticed, sparking a wave of reactions across social media.

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First Bowled of Session: Vice Caption Went to Pavellion

Krunal Pandya to Venkatesh Iyer, out Bowled!!

Krunal is pumped! Finally RCB have a phase to smile. The ball wasn’t overly short as Venky expected!

Venkatesh Iyer b Krunal Pandya 6(7)

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KKR 110-3 (11 Over)

Captain…OUT 56(31)

Rahane c Rasikh Salam b Krunal Pandya

Rasikh Dar strikes, and RCB rejoice! Narine goes for another big swing but gets an edge, safely caught by the wicketkeeper. A brilliant partnership with Rahane comes to an end at 103 off 55 balls—KKR’s aggressive charge takes a hit!

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OUT…!!! Sunil Narayan 44(26)

Narine c Jitesh Sharma b Rasikh Salam

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KKR Race Past 100..!!!

A juicy full toss, and Sunil Narine drives it through the covers with finesse. KKR bring up their 100 in just 9.3 overs! From struggling at 9/1 after 3 overs to smashing 90 runs in the next 6.3—this has been a breathtaking counterattack.

KKR 101/1 (9.3)

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LIVE | IPL 2025—SIX! Fifty for Captain KKR…!!!

Suyash Sharma to Rahane, SIX! A gift, and Rahane gladly accepts it. Quicker and fuller outside off, he kneels down and launches it over mid-wicket for a towering maximum. With that, Rahane brings up his fifty in style on his KKR captaincy debut!

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Explosive Comeback!

KKR smashes 51 runs in just 3 overs, turning the tide after a slow start.

They finish the powerplay at 60/1, with captain Ajinkya Rahane leading the charge, blasting 39 off just 16 balls! What a shift in momentum.

Time for a strategic timeout.

KKR 60/1 (6)

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Narine Starts With a Huge Six

Krunal Pandya to Narine, SIX, between mid-wicket, 89-metre maximum over wide long-on (4.1 Over)

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KKR 25/1 (4 Over)

LIVE | IPL 2025, KKR vs RCB: Back to Back HIT

 

Rahane opens his account in style with two HUGE SIX … !!!

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Impact substitutes

Kolkata Knight Riders Impact Subs: Anrich Nortje, Manish Pandey, Vaibhav Arora, Anukul Roy, Luvnith Sisodia

Royal Challengers Bengaluru Impact Subs: Devdutt Padikkal, Abhinandan Singh, Manoj Bhandage, Romario Shepherd, Swapnil Singh

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KKR 5/1 (2)

LIVE | IPL 2025, KKR vs RCB: Dayal Delivers Pinpoint Yorkers

Yash Dayal is right on target, producing a brilliant second over. He fires in some outstanding yorkers, especially to Sunil Narine, restricting KKR to just 1 run in the over. RCB dominates the early exchanges as KKR gets off to a shaky start.

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KKR 4/1 in 0.5 overs

OUT!  (Quinton de Kock c Jitesh Sharma b Hazlewood 4(5))

EDGED AND GONE! Hazlewood with the first wicket of the season. Just before that Suyash Sharma had the first drop of the season. And before that the first boundary of the season. Talk about a high-octane start!

It’s Big: CATCH DROPPED!

Suyash Sharma drops a straightforward catch! Quinton de Kock mistimed his shot, sending the ball high into the air. Former KKR player Suyash positioned himself under it but fumbled badly, missing a golden opportunity. A massive letdown, and Virat Kohli’s frustration is evident.

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Here we Go…!!! Let the Fight Begins

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Spencer Johnson Set for KKR Debut!

Kolkata Knight Riders have found their answer to the overseas pacer dilemma. Spencer Johnson has received his first KKR cap from Sunil Narine, indicating that he has been preferred over Anrich Nortje for the opening match.

LIVE | IPL 2025: RCB Win Toss, Opt To Bowl; Huge Star Missing In Playing XI

Rajat Patidar has won the toss in his first game as RCB captain! Patidar chooses to bowl, so defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders will be batting first! Rahane also admits that he would’ve chosen to bowl had KKR won the toss.

Shreya rocking the stage…!!! (06:19 PM)

IPL 2025 Opening Ceremony Live: The Eden Gardens matches the beats with Shreya Ghoshal who has brought a positive energy on the stage with some motivating songs like – “Har Maidan Fateh” and “Zinda hai toh”. The light show is only elevating her performance to the next level.

Shreya Ghoshal on the stage

King Khan in Pathan Mode

Show Begins…

Opening Ceremony Rundown

The ceremony will kick off with a monologue by KKR co-owner Shah Rukh Khan, followed by performances from singer Shreya Ghoshal, actress Disha Patani, and rapper Karan Aujla.

Player to watch for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)

No surprises here—Venkatesh Iyer is the player to watch for KKR. The all-rounder had a solid season last year and played a key role in KKR’s turnaround during the second half of their 2021 campaign, opening alongside Shubman Gill. However, with the weight of his price tag, every performance with both bat and ball will come under close scrutiny in the upcoming season, starting Saturday.

Player to watch for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) (05:29 PM)

It’s a crucial season for Rajat Patidar, no doubt about it. However, Phil Salt, who had an explosive campaign with KKR last season, has struggled with form in recent months. Faf du Plessis played a key role in providing RCB with strong starts last season, which allowed Virat Kohli to settle in and then accelerate later. On paper, Salt could take on Faf’s role, but if his performance falters, RCB might face challenges with their Powerplay batting.

Enhanced security at Eden and extended night metro services in Kolkata (05:25 PM)

In anticipation of the large crowd, the Metro Railway has announced special services on the Blue Line and Green Line-2 after the match to accommodate the influx of cricket fans.

SRK to Perform in Opening Ceremony (05:20 PM)

More About Opening Ceremony (05:15 PM)

The opening ceremony will last around 25 minutes! Cricket Association of Bengal President Snehasish Ganguly revealed that the function is scheduled for 25 minutes, offering a brief yet captivating prelude to the match. Eden Gardens, known as the ‘Mecca of Indian Cricket,’ holds immense importance for both players and fans. Ganguly highlighted its special status, stating, “Every player wants to play cricket in Eden Gardens. Even many people just want to see Eden Gardens.”

Just Like in Chak De! India—SRK’s Message for KKR (05:15 PM)

Shah Rukh Khan’s message to KKR: Before Kolkata Knight Riders’ IPL 2025 opening match against Royal Challengers Bangalore on Saturday, superstar Shah Rukh Khan shared an inspiring pep talk with his team, urging them to stay “healthy and happy.” The Kolkata Knight Riders’ official X page posted the video of SRK addressing the team, now led by new captain Ajinkya Rahane for this season.

The much-anticipated match is here! (05:12 PM)

Following the opening ceremony at Eden Gardens, defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders will face off against Royal Challengers Bangalore in an exciting showdown. Big names like Virat Kohli, Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, Liam Livingstone, and Tim David will be on display.

Live Weather Update (05:10 PM)

Rain covered have been removed.

Eden Gardens Pitch Report (05:05 PM)

Eden Gardens is a surface that batsmen love, and an average score of 180-190 in the last couple of IPL seasons has been achieved. Yet, hard-length bowlers and spinners who can hold lines tight have thrived. Varun Chakaravarthy and Sunil Narine will be pivotal with the ball for KKR, and RCB’s pace bowlers will have to acclimatize to the conditions.

Weather forecast for the evening (05:00 PM)

KKR vs RCB, IPL 2025 Live Updates: Well it is difficult to predict if there would be rain or not but chances of it happening are high. In general the weather is expected to remain overcast even if rain doesn’t happen, so seam bowlers might get assist from the conditions.

LIVE | IPL 2025 Opening Ceremony Live: Happy 18th Birthday IPL! (05:00 PM)

Welcome to our live coverage of the IPL 2025 opening ceremony. The grand event at Eden Gardens is just a few hours away, featuring Bollywood star Disha Patani and performers like Shreya Ghoshal and Karan Aujla, who are all set to captivate the audience.