Krunal Pandya and Josh Hazlewood powered an almighty chokehold on KKR after which fifties from Phil Salt and Virat Kohli helped RCB to a seven-wicket win.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru have got off to a sensational start to the 2025 season, beating defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders by seven wickets at the Eden Gardens. Krunal Pandya’s 3/29 and Josh Hazlewood’s 2/22 helped RCB to restrict KKR to 174/8 despite the hosts being 107/1 at the end of the 10th over. (AFP)

2/10

It all started off with a glitzy opening ceremony and Bollywood superstar and KKR co-owner Shah Rukh Khan conducted the final proceedings, bringing the two new captains out with the trophy. Rajat Patidar eventually won the toss and chose to bowl first. (PTI)

3/10

Josh Hazlewood dismissed Quinton de Kock early and KKR were 9/1 at the end of the third over. However, Ajinkya Rahane went berzerk and KKR stunningly finished the powerplay with a score of 60/1. Narine joined the party as well and together, the pair put up a partnership of 103 runs in just 55 balls. Rahane scored 56 runs in 31 balls. (Hindustan Times)

The stand ended with Narine falling to Rasikh Salam Dar for 44 off 26 balls. Krunal Pandya then got the all important wickets of Rahane, KKR’s record signing Venkatesh Iyer and the dangerous Rinku Singh in consecutive overs. (REUTERS)

5/10

Josh Hazlewood took over in the death overs after Pandya’s spell was done and he added to his tally with the wicket of Harshit Rana in the last over. (PTI)

6/10

Phil Salt went berzerk on the side with whom he won the title last season. He crashed the ball everywhere, with Virat Kohli doing well to keep up pace and ensured that RCB scored as many as 80 runs in the powerplay. (Hindustan Times)

7/10

Salt and Kohli put up 95 runs for the opening stand in just 51 balls which pretty much ended any realistic chances of winning this match for KKR. (Hindustan Times)

8/10

Kohli carried on after Salt fell on 56 in 31 balls and eventually brought up his 56th IPL fifty in 30 balls. (HT_PRINT)

9/10

Rajat Patidar smashed 34 in 16 balls in first match as RCB captain. (PTI)

10/10

Liam Livingstone finished the chase off with a six and a four off the first two balls of the 17th over. He finished unbeaten on 15 in five balls while Kohli was 59 not out in 36 balls. (AP)

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