Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) kicked their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 campaign in style with a clinical seven-icic win over the champion Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the Eden Gardens on Saturday. The victory was mainly performed by a brilliant half -century from openers Phil Salat and Virat Kohli, as RCB comfortably pursued a target of 175 with 22 balls.
After winning the toss, Bengaluru captain Rajat Patidar opted to bowl first. KKR landed for a solid start, in which captain Ajinkya Rahane (56) and Sunil Narin (44) scored 107 runs in just 10 overs. However, RCB made its way back into the game by Krunal Pandya (3/29) and Josh Hazelwood (2/22) to attempt to bowl. The middle and lower order struggled to tick the scoreboard, and the home team finished their innings at 174/8.
In response, Kohli and Salt KKR took the bowlers from the first over. Kohli scored an unbeaten 59 off 36 balls, while the British faced 56 runs in 31 delivery, facing their former franchise. Salt, who played an important role in KKR's title winning campaign in 2024, was released before the 2025 mega auction, allowing RCB to acquire its services for INR 11.50 crore. After the game, 28 -year -old talked about playing against KKR and batting with Kohli and building a important partnership.
“Probably partnership (talking about the most pleasing thing with the bat), we (Kohli and I) did not bat very much together and really pleased a partnership. It is a land that I know and I know that these people (KKR) know very well. Yes, this (ball came well) and you need to tell you about a brilliant time. And won the trophy.
Phil Salat Hammer 20 runs in Varun Chakraborty's first over
The wicketkeeper-better paid his former team for that decision. He broke Varun Chakraborty for 20 runs in an over. By the time Chakravarti rejected him, this side had already reached a comfortable position at 95/1 in the ninth place.
With the introduction of Chase, Kohli ensured that there were no further challenges in the latter of the innings. He played risk-free cricket while ticking the scoreboard. Patidar added a quick cameo of 34 off 16 balls, helping the team easily cross the finish line. With this, the side started the season on a winning note, connecting those important points Mark sheetAnd will now take Chennai Super Kings in Chepack on 28 March.
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