RCB outplayed KKR in their own backyard in the IPL 2025 opener, delivering a clinical performance that showcased their dominance across all departments. From bat to ball, they proved to be a class apart, leaving the home side struggling to find answers.
The high-voltage clash at Eden Gardens turned out to be a blockbuster spectacle, keeping fans on the edge of their seats both in the stands and at home. With this emphatic victory, RCB has set the tone for the rest of the season, making a bold statement in their quest for IPL glory.
Rajat Patidar, leading RCB for the first time, won the toss in the IPL 2025 opener and opted to bowl first against Ajinkya Rahane’s KKR. However, one of the biggest surprises came when veteran Indian pacer and former SRH star Bhuvneshwar Kumar was left out—not just from the playing XI but also from the list of impact substitutes. The decision raised many eyebrows, given Bhuvi’s status as one of the highest wicket-takers in IPL history.
RCB certainly felt his absence, especially in the powerplay and the early middle overs. Despite losing Quinton de Kock cheaply, KKR got off to a flying start as skipper Rahane and the ever-reliable Sunil Narine took charge. Rahane, showing glimpses of his stellar 2023 IPL resurgence with CSK, played with elegance, while Narine, a mainstay in KKR’s batting approach for nearly a decade, dismantled the RCB attack with his fearless stroke play. By the 14th over, KKR was cruising, putting RCB on the back foot early in the season opener.
RCB’s bowling unit looked completely out of rhythm, with both pacers and spinners struggling to find their groove. Yash Dayal and Rasikh Salam were taken to the cleaners by the Rahane-Narine duo, forcing skipper Patidar to introduce spin earlier than planned.
However, the carnage didn’t stop there—both Suyash and Krunal Pandya looked rusty, with Suyash in particular erring with too many short balls, which KKR’s batters punished mercilessly. But it didn’t take long for Krunal to do what he does best—breaking partnerships and choking the run flow.
The experienced all-rounder turned the game on its head with a stellar spell, dismissing Rahane, Venkatesh Iyer, and the ever-dangerous Rinku Singh in quick succession. His triple strike shattered KKR’s momentum just when they were set for a massive total.
At 140 runs in the 14th over, KKR seemed destined for a 200-plus score, but reckless shot selection led to their downfall. The middle and lower orders failed to capitalise on the strong foundation, and the home side eventually stumbled to 174—a total far lower than what they would have expected after such a blistering start.
RCB’s chase began with their experienced duo, Virat Kohli and Phil Salt, stepping onto the crease with intent. Right from the first ball, Salt looked in sublime touch, taking the attack to the KKR bowlers. His onslaught was particularly brutal against Varun Chakravarthy, who conceded 21 runs in a single over—looking completely off-colour despite his heroics in the Champions Trophy final against New Zealand.
Salt’s innings was a masterclass in power hitting combined with delicate stroke play. He raced to a blistering fifty before falling soon after, but by then, he had already set the tone for the chase. On the other end, Kohli played the perfect anchor, steady yet aggressive, ensuring RCB stayed on course. With Salt back in the dugout, Kohli shifted gears, taking full advantage of his rich vein of form from the last IPL season.
His improved approach against spin was on full display, as he not only anchored the innings but also maintained a strike rate well above 150. His ability to dominate spinners—an area of concern in previous seasons—seemed to have completely transformed.
However, Devdutt Padikkal’s poor IPL run continued as he fell cheaply, making way for new RCB skipper Rajat Patidar. The captain, unfazed by the added responsibility, played a fluent knock, showcasing effortless stroke-making and impeccable timing. He found gaps with ease and exuded confidence, proving that leadership hadn’t burdened his batting.
Though Patidar departed before the finish line, Kohli ensured there were no late hiccups. Alongside Liam Livingstone, he finished the chase in a hurry, keeping net run rate in mind—a crucial factor in what promises to be a tightly contested season.
To sum up the match, KKR’s middle and lower orders need to play with more responsibility and capitalise on the strong starts provided by their top order. Reckless shot selection cost them a 200-plus total, and their bowling looked below par, struggling to make an impact even on their home turf.
If they want to be competitive this season, they must find solutions quickly. As for RCB, their batting unit looks rock-solid, with both top-order stability and firepower in the middle. However, their bowling remains a concern, especially in the powerplay and death overs. The decision to leave out Bhuvneshwar Kumar proved costly, and they must reconsider his inclusion to provide much-needed control in the first and last six overs.
Edited By- Harsh Kumar
