The first match of IPL 2025 lived up to the hype, showcasing thrilling performances and setting the tone for the season. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) made a resounding statement in their opening clash against the defending champions, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) , with their new acquisitions shining brightly.
Josh Hazlewood exploited the conditions masterfully, delivering a miserly spell of 4-0-22-1 to dismantle KKR’s powerplay and death overs. Meanwhile, Krunal Pandya played the role of an impactful all-rounder, claiming three crucial wickets for just 29 runs, including the prized scalp of Ajinkya Rahane , who had earlier played a high-intensity fifty. Young Suyash Sharma also stepped up when it mattered most, dismissing the dangerous Andre Russell to swing momentum back in RCB’s favor.
Chasing a modest 175, RCB’s batting lineup was clinical. Phil Salt set the tone with a blistering 56 off 31 balls, matching Rahane’s earlier effort stroke for stroke. The ever-reliable Virat Kohli then took over, crafting an unbeaten 59 off 36 deliveries to seal the game with 22 balls to spare. It was a near-perfect performance from RCB, blending fresh talent with seasoned experience.
On the other hand, KKR showed glimpses of brilliance, particularly during a 98-run partnership between Rahane and Sunil Narine between overs four and ten. However, their overall performance lacked consistency, as RCB dominated proceedings outside that phase. With Rahane taking on the captaincy mantle post-auction, he faces the daunting task of proving his leadership credentials daily in this fiercely competitive league.
That’s all from tonight’s action-packed Live Blog! Join us tomorrow for more edge-of-the-seat IPL entertainment. Until then, enjoy the highlights and stay tuned for what promises to be an unforgettable season!