KKR vs RCB Highlights, IPL 2025: Virat Kohli shines as RCB crush KKR by 7 wickets in season opener
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Kolkata Knight Riders vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru, IPL Live Score 2025: Virat Kohli and Phil Salt starred with the bat as Royal Challengers Bengaluru cruised to a seven-wicket victory over defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL 2025 opener at Eden Gardens on Saturday.
Chasing 175, Kohli (59* off 36, 4x4, 3x6) and Salt (56 off 31, 9x4, 2x6) put on a blazing 95-run partnership for the opening wicket in just 8.3 overs, setting up a commanding win. RCB comfortably reached 177/3 in just 16.2 overs.
Earlier, KKR skipper Ajinkya Rahane led from the front with a classy 56, forging a crucial 103-run partnership with Sunil Narine (44 off 26) as KKR seemed poised to breach the 200-run mark. However, RCB’s bowlers staged a brilliant comeback, led by left-arm spinner Krunal Pandya (3/29) and pacer Josh Hazlewood, who picked up two wickets.
RCB's disciplined bowling in the latter half restricted KKR to 174/8, a total that proved inadequate against Kohli and Salt's aggressive approach. Kohli’s composed innings and Salt’s fiery knock ensured a perfect start to the tournament for RCB, while KKR will look to regroup after a disappointing defense of their title.