RCB vs KKR IPL 2025 Highlights: Virat Kohli’s Masterclass & Phil Salt’s Fireworks Secure RCB’s Victory!

RCB vs KKR IPL 2025: A Perfect Start to IPL 2025!

The 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) kicked off with a high-voltage clash between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Played at the iconic Eden Gardens, the match turned out to be a dream start for RCB as they registered a commanding 7-wicket victory.

Chasing 175 runs, RCB’s batting unit, led by Virat Kohli (59) and Phil Salt (56),* made light work of KKR’s bowling attack, wrapping up the chase in just 16.2 overs. With this stunning win, RCB made a bold statement for the season ahead.

Phil Salt & Virat Kohli’s Power-Packed Partnership RCB VS KKR IPL 2025

The chase began with a bang as Phil Salt and Virat Kohli unleashed havoc on KKR’s bowlers. The duo built a fiery 95-run partnership in just 51 balls, setting the tone for an easy win.

Salt was in explosive form, smashing a half-century in just 25 balls. His 31-ball 56-run knock was laced with 9 fours and 2 sixes, making KKR’s bowling look ordinary. However, his aggressive innings was cut short by Varun Chakravarthy as Spencer Johnson took a sharp catch.

After Salt’s dismissal, Devdutt Padikkal (10) fell cheaply to Sunil Narine. But on the other end, Virat Kohli was in his vintage best! The RCB stalwart completed his 50 off just 30 balls, displaying effortless stroke play.

His 44-run stand with Rajat Patidar (34) further strengthened RCB’s grip on the match. Despite Patidar losing his wicket to Vaibhav Arora, Kohli stayed unbeaten till the end, ensuring RCB crossed the finish line.

In the final overs, Liam Livingstone (15) and Kohli (59) calmly guided RCB to a comfortable victory**, sending a clear message to the other teams in the tournament.

KKR’s Innings: Rahane & Narine Shine, But Middle Order Crumbles

After losing the toss, KKR was put in to bat first. However, their start was far from ideal as opener Quinton de Kock (4) fell on the 5th ball of the match, caught behind off Josh Hazlewood.

Despite this early setback, captain Ajinkya Rahane and Sunil Narine counter-attacked brilliantly. The duo added 103 runs in just 9.1 overs, with Rahane smashing a quickfire 56 off 31 balls, featuring 6 fours and 4 sixes. Narine, too, looked in great touch, scoring 44 off 26 balls before being dismissed by Rasikh Salam.

However, once this partnership was broken, KKR’s innings collapsed like a house of cards.

• Rahane (56) was dismissed by Krunal Pandya.
• Venkatesh Iyer (6) and Rinku Singh (12) failed to make an impact.
• Andre Russell (4) departed cheaply, leaving KKR struggling at 150/6.

Youngster Angkrish Raghuvanshi (30 off 22) tried to add some valuable runs at the end, but wickets kept tumbling. Eventually, KKR could only manage 174/8 in 20 overs.

RCB’s bowlers were impressive:

• Krunal Pandya took 3 crucial wickets.
• Josh Hazlewood picked up 2 wickets.
• Yash Dayal and Suyash Sharma chipped in with one wicket each.

Grand Opening Ceremony & RCB VS KKR IPL 2025 Head-to-Head Record

Before the match, IPL 2025 kicked off with a spectacular grand opening ceremony. Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan set the stage on fire, followed by mesmerizing performances from Shreya Ghoshal, Disha Patani, and Karan Aujla. Fans also got to see a fun dance moment between Virat Kohli and Rinku Singh alongside SRK!

Coming into this match, the head-to-head record favored KKR, with 21 wins out of 36 encounters, while RCB had won 15 matches. However, this victory gave RCB a much-needed boost against their long-time rivals.

RCB’s Title Hopes: Is This Their Year?

With Kohli leading from the front and new firepower like Salt and Livingstone, RCB looks stronger than ever. The big question remains – Can RCB finally lift their maiden IPL trophy this year?

Their first match performance suggests they mean business! What do you think? Will RCB go all the way this time? Let us know in the comments!