The highly anticipated IPL 2025 season kicked off with a blockbuster clash between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at Eden Gardens. In this article, let’s relive the exciting moments from the 2025 KKR vs RCB highlights.

IPL 1st Match Highlights

Fans expected a thrilling contest, but RCB stamped their authority with a commanding seven-wicket victory, thanks to standout performances from Virat Kohli, Phil Salt, and Krunal Pandya. The 2025 KKR vs. RCB highlights showcased an all-around display from RCB, setting the tone for the season.

Scintillating Show 🔥

Ajinkya Rahane oars on KKR captaincy debut with 56(31) 🫡

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Rahane and Narine Provide KKR a Strong Start

After losing Quinton de Kock early to Josh Hazlewood, KKR found stability through Ajinkya Rahane and Sunil Narine, who forged a blistering 103-run stand for the second wicket. Rahane displayed an aggressive approach, scoring 56 off 31 balls with six fours and four sixes, while Narine contributed a fiery 44 off 26. Their partnership, particularly dominant between overs four and ten, put KKR in a strong position at 107 for 1. The 2025 KKR vs RCB highlights reflected how KKR started with intent but struggled to sustain momentum.

However, Narine’s dismissal in the 10th over, courtesy of Rasikh Salam, triggered a collapse. RCB capitalized on the breakthrough, applying pressure through disciplined bowling and fielding, ensuring that IPL 2025 1st match highlights included a key turning point.

Effective spell 🫡

Krunal Pandya leads RCB’s charge with 3/29 👏

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Krunal Pandya Wrecks KKR’s Middle Order

Krunal Pandya was the game-changer for RCB, derailing KKR’s innings with a superb spell of 3 for 29. He dismissed Rahane, Venkatesh Iyer, and Rinku Singh in quick succession, preventing KKR from capitalizing on their strong start. Andre Russell, a player known for his big-hitting prowess, failed to rescue his team, falling victim to Suyash Sharma’s wrong’un after scoring just four runs.

Angkrish Raghuvanshi’s 30 off 22 provided some resistance, but KKR managed only 174 for 8 in their 20 overs. Hazlewood (2 for 22) and Yash Dayal (1 for 25) complemented Krunal’s efforts, ensuring RCB restricted KKR to a below-par total.

The iconic Virat Kohli goes down the ground 😎

Sit back and enjoy his exquisite stroke play 🎁🍿@RCBTweets race away to 80/0 after 6 overs.

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Salt and Kohli Lead RCB’s Dominant Chase

RCB’s chase got off to a flying start, led by former KKR star Phil Salt. The English wicketkeeper-batter, who played a crucial role in KKR’s IPL 2024 triumph, was ruthless against his former team, smashing 56 off just 31 balls. He took the attack to Varun Chakravarthy in the powerplay, taking 20 runs off a single over, ensuring RCB remained ahead of the required run rate. The IPL 2025 1st match highlights captured Salt’s explosive start, setting up RCB’s chase beautifully.

Virat Kohli, as always, anchored the chase with a sublime 59* off 36 balls. His composure and aggression ensured there were no hiccups, and he finished the game with 22 balls to spare. Kohli’s standout moment came when he launched Varun over long-on for a massive six, proving his intent to not just win but also boost RCB’s net run rate from the outset.

Patidar and Livingstone Provide Finishing Touch

While Devdutt Padikkal fell for 10, new RCB captain Rajat Patidar played a cameo, smashing 34 off 16 balls with five boundaries and a six. Liam Livingstone added the finishing touches with a quick-fire 15* off just five deliveries, taking RCB home with ease. The IPL 2025 1st match highlights featured their aggressive approach, ensuring a comfortable finish.

Related Match：IPL 2025 1st match KKR vs RCB on March 22 at Eden Gardens, Kolkata

Key Takeaways from the Match

• Krunal Pandya’s All-Round Brilliance: His three crucial wickets turned the game in RCB’s favor after KKR’s strong start.
• Virat Kohli’s Calm and Composed Knock: Kohli ensured RCB’s chase was smooth, finishing unbeaten and leading from the front.
• Phil Salt’s Fiery Start: The Englishman punished his former franchise, setting up RCB’s chase with an aggressive innings.
• Hazlewood’s Impact with the Ball: The Australian pacer’s early breakthrough set the tone for RCB’s disciplined bowling effort.

Conclusion

RCB’s emphatic start to IPL 2025 sends a strong message to the rest of the league. Their combination of aggressive batting, controlled bowling, and tactical acumen ensured they outplayed KKR in all departments. The 2025 KKR vs RCB highlights reflected RCB’s dominance, while KKR’s middle-order collapse and ineffective bowling in the powerplay emerged as concerns. The IPL 2025 1st match highlights demonstrated how RCB capitalized on KKR’s weaknesses, making a strong statement for the season ahead. With the tournament just beginning, both teams will look to build on this match, with RCB aiming to maintain momentum and KKR seeking redemption in their next outing.