Match 1 KKR vs. RCB mid-in

Indian Premier League 2025 kicked a grand style in Eden Gardens, Kolkata, which had a bright opening ceremony, including Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, singer Shreya Ghoshal, actress Disha Patani and Punjabi sensation Karan Auzla. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) began with a thrilling season opener, RCB captain Rajat Patidar won the toss and opted to bowl first.

Josh Hazelwood had immediate effect by rejecting Quinton de Kock for only 4 runs in the first over. However, the initial shock did not stop KKR, as captain Ajinkya Rahane and Sunil Narin stabilized the innings in no time. The pair reduced the fence to minimize the fence as their 103 -run partnership gave just 55 balls a solid start to the defending champion, in which Rahane scored 25 balls in half a century.

Just when it seemed that the side seemed to be posting a large scale, Rasikh Salaam gave success by rejecting the woman for 44 off 26 balls. Krunal Pandya then removed the game in favor of RCB in Rain (56 runs 31) and Venkatesh Iyer (7 to 7) in quick succession. KKR, who was at a point at 107/1 in 10 overs, suddenly found himself struggling at 125/4.

With the fall of major wickets, KKR's innings lost speed. Rinku Singh tried to control the innings, but was soon dismissed for 12 off 10 balls by Krunal, which ended with 3/29 figures in four overs. Andre Russell failed in the fire and Suyash Sharma bowled for just 4 runs.

Angkarish Raghuvanshi provided some battle with a significant 30 off 22 balls, but RCB bowlers, especially Hazelwood (2/22) and Yash Dayal (1/25) maintained pressure. Harshit Rana fell into the final, left Ramandip Singh (6*) and Spencer Johnson (1*) to take KKR to 174/8 in 20 overs.

With the need for 175 runs for victory, RCB's batting unit, which features Virat Kohli, Phil Salat and Silver Patidar, will look at the target and will look at the winning note to start their IPL 2025 campaign on the note.