Sports Desk
22 March
Sandeep Dhand
Journalist & Research Analysist
In the opening match of IPL 2025, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) secured a commanding seven-wicket victory over Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at Eden Gardens. Virat Kohli’s unbeaten 59 off 36 balls was instrumental in the chase, as RCB successfully pursued a target of 175 runs in just 16.2 overs.
Kohli’s innings was marked by aggressive stroke play, including four boundaries and three sixes. Notably, he unveiled a new tactic by employing the slog-sweep against spinners, a shot rarely seen in his repertoire. This strategic addition could pose challenges for opposing teams, as it adds another dimension to his already versatile batting style.
During KKR’s innings, a moment of controversy arose when Sunil Narine appeared to dislodge the bails with his bat, which could have resulted in a hit-wicket dismissal. However, neither the umpires nor RCB players pursued the appeal, allowing Narine to continue his innings.
Kohli’s performance also led him to achieve a significant milestone. With this innings, he became the first player in IPL history to score over 1,000 runs against four different franchises: Kolkata Knight Riders, Chennai Super Kings, Delhi Capitals, and Punjab Kings. This remarkable consistency underscores his dominance in the tournament over the years.
RCB’s chase was further bolstered by opener Phil Salt, who partnered with Kohli for a 95-run stand, setting a solid foundation for the team. Salt’s aggressive approach complemented Kohli’s strategy, making the target achievable with ease.
This victory sets a positive tone for RCB’s campaign in IPL 2025, showcasing their batting strength and strategic depth. Fans and analysts alike will be keen to see how Kohli’s new batting techniques and the team’s cohesive performance evolve as the tournament progresses.