Trending

'There are no friends out there in IPL...': RCB's match winner Phil Salt reacts after smashing 56 against ex-franchise KKR

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) defeated Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) by seven wickets in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 opener clash at Eden Gardens in Kolkata.

Sports Tak

• Sat • 22 Mar 2025

Phil Salt of Royal Challengers Bengaluru celebrates after scoring a fifty (50 runs) during the 2025 IPL match between Kolkata Knight Riders and Royal Challengers Bengaluru

Highlights:

Phil Salt scored 56 runs off 31 balls during RCB vs KKR IPL 2025 clash.

RCB defeated KKR by seven wickets in IPL 2025 opener.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) opener Phil Salt was the standout performer in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 opener clash against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. Salt who was part of KKR in the last edition of the tournament was released before the mega auction and picked by RCB during the auction for Rs 11.50 Crore.

Interestingly RCB played their first match against Salt's ex-franchise KKR where the opening batter scored 56 runs off 31 balls while chasing 175 runs. After RCB's seven-wicket win against KKR, Salt recalled his last edition of the tournament and said that there are no friends out there in IPL.

"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 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. Had a great time here last year and won the trophy. Obviously, there are no friends out there (in this league)" said Phil Salt after RCB's seven-wicket win against KKR.

ALSO READ: Exclusive: BCCI to host World Cup in September 2025, here are venues for the mega event

ALSO READ: Huge blow to New Zealand after record-breaking defeat to Pakistan, star pacer ruled out due to injury from last T20Is

KKR vs RCB match report

Virat Kohli and Phil Salt's magnificent fifties guided Royal Challengers Bengaluru to a comfortable seven-wicket win over defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders. Kohli (59 not out, 36b, 4x4, 3x6) and Salt (56, 31b, 9x4, 2x6) added 95 runs for the first wicket in 8.3 overs as RCB chased down 174/8 in just 16.2 overs. They made 177 for three.

Earlier, while bowling RCB's new signing left-arm spinner Krunal Pandya (3/29) staged a splendid comeback. Pacer Josh Hazlewood got two wickets. Skipper Ajinkya Rahane was the stand-out performer for KKR as he played a 56-run knock and managed a 103-run stand for the second wicket with Sunil Narine (44, 26b).