KKR raced past 100 with explosive knocks by Rahane and Narine, but RCB bounced back with quick wickets to halt their momentum at Eden Gardens.
Kolkata, March 22 – The opening clash of IPL 2025 between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at Eden Gardens saw a dramatic momentum shift as RCB struck twice in four balls to remove KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane and Sunil Narine just as the hosts crossed the 100-run mark.
RCB skipper Rajat Patidar, in his debut match as captain, won the toss and opted to bowl first. The decision paid off immediately, with Josh Hazlewood removing Quinton de Kock in the opening over. However, a stunning counterattack followed.
⚡ Blistering Partnership, Sudden Collapse
- Ajinkya Rahane slammed a quickfire 56 off 31 balls, including a massive six to bring up his half-century in just 25 balls.
- Sunil Narine, promoted up the order, smashed 44 off 26 deliveries, forming a 103-run stand with Rahane to rebuild after the early loss.
But just as KKR were cruising at 107/1, Krunal Pandya dismissed Narine with the final ball of the 10th over. Three balls later, he sent Rahane back too, caught by Rasikh Dar at deep square leg.
KKR: 109/3 in 10.3 overs
🏏 New Batters at the Crease
Venkatesh Iyer and youngster Angkrish Raghuvanshi are now at the crease, trying to stabilize the innings. Iyer, acquired for a massive ₹23.75 crore, faces high expectations this season.
KKR: 120/3 in 11.5 overs
Current Run Rate: 10.14
🎯 Other Key Highlights So Far:
- Kohli Felicitated before the match for being the only player to play all 18 IPL seasons with the same team.
- Opening Ceremony featured Shah Rukh Khan, Disha Patani, Shreya Ghoshal, and Karan Aujla.
- RCB XI includes Kohli, Patidar, Livingstone, Phil Salt, and Hazlewood.
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar missing from RCB’s XI, surprising many fans.
With fireworks already on display in the first innings, fans are in for a thrilling IPL opener. Can KKR recover and post a daunting total? Or will RCB’s bowlers continue to dominate?
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