• Virat Kohli and Phil Salt's explosive partnership propelled RCB to a commanding seven-wicket victory over KKR in the IPL 2025 opener.

  • Kohli anchored the chase with an unbeaten knock of 59 off just 36 balls.

Fans go berserk as Virat Kohli and Phil Salt’s blistering knock takes RCB home against KKR in the IPL 2025 opener
Fans go berserk as Virat Kohli and Phil Salt's blistering knock takes RCB home against KKR in the IPL 2025 opener (Image source: X)

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IPL 2025 season kicked off with a high-octane clash between defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at Eden Gardens. KKR, under Ajinkya Rahane’s leadership, began their innings with optimism but faced early setbacks. Quinton de Kock fell cheaply in the very first over, caught behind off Josh Hazlewood for just 4 runs. However, Sunil Narine and Rahane steadied the ship with a scintillating partnership. Rahane was in sublime form, smashing 56 off just 31 balls, including six boundaries and four towering sixes. Narine complemented him well with a brisk 44 off 26 balls, maintaining a strike rate of 169.23.

KKR reached 107/2 by the halfway mark, but their momentum faltered after Rahane’s dismissal in the 11th over. Krunal Pandya’s crafty bowling dismantled the middle order, claiming three crucial wickets, including Venkatesh Iyer and Rinku Singh. Angkrish Raghuvanshi contributed a handy 30 off 22 balls, but the lower order struggled to accelerate. Andre Russell and Harshit Rana fell cheaply, leaving KKR at 174/8 after 20 overs. Hazlewood (2/22) and Pandya (3/29) were standout performers with the ball for RCB.

Virat Kohli and Phil Salt’s fiery opening partnership sets the tone

RCB’s chase began explosively as Phil Salt and Virat Kohli opened the innings with intent. The duo capitalized on Eden Gardens’ batting-friendly conditions, racing to 50 runs within just 22 balls. Salt was particularly aggressive, smashing boundaries at will and bringing up his half-century off just 25 deliveries. His knock of 56 off 31 balls included nine fours and two sixes, setting the tone for RCB’s chase.

Kohli played the perfect foil to Salt’s aggression, rotating the strike and finding gaps effortlessly. By the end of the powerplay, RCB had amassed an impressive 80/0, putting immense pressure on KKR’s bowlers. Salt eventually fell to Varun Chakravarthy in the ninth over, but his contribution had already laid a solid foundation for the chase.

Kohli’s masterclass: Unbeaten and unstoppable

With Salt back in the pavilion, Kohli took charge of the innings. The former Indian skipper showcased his trademark consistency and calm under pressure, anchoring the chase with an unbeaten knock of 59 off just 36 balls. Kohli’s innings was a blend of elegance and power, featuring four boundaries and three sixes at a strike rate of 163.88.

Rajat Patidar joined Kohli at the crease and played a blistering cameo, scoring 34 runs off just 16 balls before falling to Vaibhav Arora. By then, RCB were already cruising towards victory. Liam Livingstone added finishing touches with an explosive unbeaten knock of 15 off five balls, sealing the win in style.

A dominant victory for RCB

RCB chased down KKR’s target of 175 with ease, finishing at 177/3 in just 16.2 overs—an emphatic seven-wicket victory with 22 balls to spare. The opening partnership between Salt and Kohli proved pivotal, while Kohli’s unbeaten knock reinforced his status as one of T20 cricket’s finest finishers.

KKR’s bowlers struggled to contain RCB’s batters on a flat pitch. Narine (1/27) was economical compared to others but lacked support from his teammates as Vaibhav and Spencer Johnson leaked runs heavily.

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About the Author:
AKASH THAPA
Akash Thapa is a dedicated cricket journalist with three years of experience in the media industry. A BA (JMC) graduate from VIPS, GGSIPU, and a postgraduate in MAJMC from the University of Lucknow, Akash combines his academic credentials with a deep-rooted passion for cricket.His background as a former junior-level wrestler and cricketer enriches his insightful analysis and commentary on the game. Known for his inventive approach to writing and his commitment to capturing the nuances of cricket, Akash is a true aficionado of the sport.Connect with Akash on LinkedIn, X, and Instagram.