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Ajinkya Rahane-led defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) suffered a crushing seven-wicket defeat against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the IPL 2025 opener at the Eden Gardens stadium on March 22.
Virat Kohli delivered another masterclass performance, scoring an unbeaten half-century (36-ball 59) that propelled RCB to a decisive win over reigning champions in their IPL 2025 campaign opener. Krunal Pandya's pivotal three-wicket haul played a crucial role in dismantling KKR's batting lineup.
Ajinkya Rahane (31-ball 56), debuting as KKR captain, displayed an aggressive batting style, scoring a rapid fifty off just 25 balls. However, Pandya's 3/29 spell effectively restricted KKR's total, preventing them from reaching the anticipated 200-run mark and limiting them to a below-par 174/8.
During RCB's run chase, Phil Salt, facing his former franchise, provided an explosive start, scoring 56 runs off 31 balls, including nine fours and two sixes. His fiery knock, combined with a 95-run opening partnership with Kohli, established a strong foundation for the chase. Kohli then accelerated to a fifty off 30 balls, acknowledging the roaring support from the crowd with his trademark celebration. His unbeaten knock of 59 off 36 balls, featuring three sixes and four fours, ensured RCB comfortably reached the target in just 16.2 overs.
Ajinkya Rahane rues KKR's 7-wicket loss against RCB
Meanwhile, captain Ajinkya Rahane rued KKR's defeat and revealed the turning point of the match. He said that everything was going good till 13th over during KKR's batting when they were strongly placed at 131/4. But wickets kept tumbling after that which hindered KKR's scoring rate which saw them eventually getting dismissing for 174. He also admitted that when he and Venkatesh Iyer (6 off 7) were batting they were looking to go past but it couldn't happen. However, in the end the veteran batter said that his team doesn't want to think much about the lost game and will strive to get better in certain areas in the upcoming matches.
"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," Rahane said in the post-match presentation.
Looking ahead, RCB will play against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Friday, March 28. Meanwhile, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) will face Rajasthan Royals in Guwahati on Wednesday, March 26.
