KKR vs RCB:
Royal Challengers Bengaluru started their IPL 2025 campaign with a commanding 7-wicket victory over Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Garden.
RCB Starts IPL 2025 with a Dominant Win at Eden Gardens. The Tata IPL 2025 launched with a highly anticipated clash between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at Eden Gardens. Yesterday’s match delivered a compelling contest, with RCB ultimately securing a decisive victory.
Here’s a breakdown of the key moments:
KKR’s Innings: A Fluctuating Performance
* KKR, batting first, aimed for a strong start. Early on, there was promise, but RCB’s bowling attack applied consistent pressure.
* Key moments included a period where Ajinkya Rahane, and Sunil Narine looked like they were building a very strong partnership. However, that partnership was broken by Krunal pandya, which shifted the momentum of the game.
* KKR ended their innings with a total of 174/8 in 20 overs. This total was lower than what they looked like they would have achieved at the start of the innings.
* Key contributors and stats:
* Ajinkya Rahane provided a solid contribution.
* Josh Hazlewood was a very effective bowler for RCB.
* The last few overs of the KKR innings saw a loss of many wickets.
RCB’s Chase: Controlled and Effective
* RCB’s response was characterized by a well-paced and controlled chase with both the openers Philip Salt 56(31) and Virat Kohli 59*(36) scoring half centuries individually while latter remained unbeaten to ensure RCB’S victory.
* Rajat Patidar played a very impactful innings, and was a key peformer for RCB.
* RCB reached the target of 175 with 16.2 overs, winning by 7 wickets.
* The RCB opening partnership provided a solid foundation.
* The middle order of RCB, performed strongly.
Key Match Highlights:
* Bowling Impact: RCB’s bowling, particularly from Josh Hazlewood, effectively restricted KKR’s scoring.
* Rajat Patidar’s Performance: Rajat Patidar’s aggressive batting was a defining factor in RCB’s victory.
* Eden Gardens Atmosphere: As always, Eden Gardens provided a vibrant and energetic backdrop to the match.
Key Statistics:
* KKR: 174/8 (20 overs)
* RCB: 177/3 (16.2 overs)
* Man of the match: Krunal Pandya.
RCB
177/3(16.2)
PLAYER OF THE MATCH
Krunal Pandya | Player of the Match: When you play against so much crowd, I had to narrow down my focus. If I get hit I had to get hit off a good ball, glad that I could deliver. You have to go with the flow, how cricket is evolving. Batters have the skill-set to hit sixes consistently. You also have to up your game, have to make sure I bowl quicker. Change of pace is associated with pacers but also I tried it. (on his bouncer) Now Jitesh knows what I will do, if it’s a wide yorker or a bouncer, if you have something in your armoury, why not use it. (on playing for RCB) It’s been amazing, when I got into the team, I realised how much madness there is. The crowd support you get, even in domestic cricket, there also people are chanting RCB. It’s been 10 days since I have joined and it’s been pretty good.
Looking Ahead:
* This result gives RCB early momentum in the IPL 2025 season.
* KKR will look to regroup and bounce back in their upcoming matches.
* Fans are now looking forward to the rest of the IPL season especially RCB Fans whose 17 years drought of IPL trophy is yet to come to an end.
Leave feedback about this