The Indian Premier League's (IPL) 18th season started with a cracker of a match between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at Eden Gardens on March 22, 2025. it initially increased to 126 decibels when KKR's Quinton de Kock (QDK) hit the first boundary of the season against RCB. Featuring prominently in Star Sports' live broadcast, 126 dB is about as loud as a jet engine. Known for aggressive batting, de Kock gave KKR a positive start, surprising and igniting excitement in the Kolkata crowd while thrilling the brigade for a great start to their innings. The first boundary of de Kock not only registered on the Shor-Meter, it was KKR's true statement of intent in the tournament.

Kohli's explosive half-century in the 5th over of RCB's chase was met with a thrilling response as Virat Kohli, and the stadium exploded with a Shor-Meter reading of 118 decibels (dB), the electric atmosphere of the tournament opener.

The match started with KKR registering the season’s first boundary and causing a first major spike on the Shor-Meter at 126 dB. For example, 126 dB is about as loud as a jet engine, while 118 dB is about as loud as a rock concert. Kohli’s brilliant stroke play and aggressive intent, though, kept RCB in the game and, inevitably, lit the passionate crowd of Eden Gardens.

Half-centurion #ViratKohli's 6️⃣, in the 5th over of the 2nd innings, hit 118 dB on the Shormeter! 🔊

Will we see #Virat set a new Shor record at #Chepauk? Or will Thala #MSDhoni set the Shormeter soaring?#IPLonJioStar 👉 #CSKvRCB | FRI 28 MAR, 6:30 PM pic.twitter.com/DV9NRuQTEL

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) March 22, 2025

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KKR posted a fairly respectable total, but their early fireworks had the stands excited. But he was no less electrifying in response, as Kohli led RCB's chase with a clear cut air of confidence. When he reached his fifty, the stadium was in a deafening roar, the energy of the IPL fans and their unwavering support.

As the season progresses, other venues, like Chepauk and Wankhede, with their raucous atmosphere, will try to rival Eden Gardens’ number. There is a exhilarating angle to IPL 2025, the Shor-Meter that converts crowd energy into a bonafide rivalry in the stadium. With cricket’s biggest stars geared up to set the stage ablaze, this undying battle for the loudest cheer has just begun!