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.
