KKR vs RCB IPL 2025 Stat Highlights: Virat Kohli, Phil Salt, Bowlers Power RCB to Big Win in Tournament Opener

Royal Challengers Bengaluru defeated Kolkata Knight Riders in the first match of IPL 2025 at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on March 22. The RCB bowlers, led by Krunal Pandya (3/29) and Josh Hazlewood (2/22) restricted KKR to just 174/8 after they were 107/1 at one stage. Later, Virat Kohli (59*) and Phil Salt (56) struck sensational half-centuries and formed a fluent 95-run opening partnership as the visitors outplayed the defending champions quite comprehensively in the end by seven wickets. Krunal Pandya was adjudged Man of the Match for his splendid show with the ball. He dismissed Rinku Singh (12), Venkatesh Iyer (6) and KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane (56) in the first innings of the match. Rajat Patidar had a winning start to his reign as RCB captain. Prior to the KKR vs RCB match, the fans at the Eden Gardens witnessed a glittering IPL 2025 opening ceremony.