March 23, 2025: Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) made a resounding statement in their IPL 2025 opener against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), chasing down a modest total of 174 with ease, thanks to explosive contributions from Virat Kohli and Phil Salt. The chase was more of a stroll than a battle, with RCB racing to 37 runs by the end of the third over, and the momentum never shifted from there.
Salt was at the heart of the early onslaught, providing a blistering start, while Kohli, ever the anchor, matched his intensity. However, it was the fourth over that truly sealed KKR’s fate. With the introduction of Varun Chakravarthy, KKR hoped to tighten the screws, but Salt had other plans. He punished Chakravarthy with a sequence of boundaries: two fours, a six, and two more fours in quick succession. This over quickly shattered the confidence of the KKR bowlers and turned the tide irreversibly in RCB’s favor.
As former India cricketer Varun Aaron noted, Salt and Kohli “walked the talk” with their aggressive approach. “This is the kind of cricket we’re going to play,” said Aaron. Former India batter Ambati Rayudu echoed this sentiment, adding that the over “completely shattered” KKR’s confidence. By the 10-over mark, RCB were sitting at 104/1, with Salt dismissed. However, with Kohli still at the crease, the result seemed inevitable.
Kohli, never one to take his foot off the gas in a chase, anchored RCB’s innings beautifully. His 59 off 36 balls was a masterclass in controlled aggression, featuring four boundaries and three sixes. Kohli remained unbeaten throughout, maintaining an intent to finish the game, a leadership quality Rayudu praised. “If Kohli is ready to do that, the rest of the batters will do that for RCB,” Rayudu remarked, recognizing Kohli’s leadership in batting.
As the chase neared its conclusion, Rajat Patidar, RCB’s newly appointed captain, made an immediate impact. Stepping in at 118/2 in the 12th over, Patidar played a rapid knock of 34 off 16 balls, showcasing his ability to lead from the front. His leadership was also evident in the tactical decisions made earlier in the game, particularly the reintroduction of Krunal Pandya, which helped RCB maintain control throughout.
While Patidar’s leadership was under the spotlight, Kohli’s performance as a captain and batsman stood out as a key factor in RCB’s success. Aaron pointed out that Kohli’s ability to deliver in a chase, especially in high-pressure situations, is invaluable to both RCB and India. Kohli’s knack for producing match-winning innings in critical moments is what makes him a priceless asset for his team.
Overall, RCB’s clinical performance not only highlighted their strong batting depth but also showcased their solid leadership, with Patidar’s impact and Kohli’s leadership setting the tone for what promises to be an exciting IPL campaign. The victory was a reminder of RCB’s potential when they play with intent, aggression, and leadership at all levels of the game.