Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) engaged in a high-stakes match at Eden Gardens to kick off the IPL 2025 season. RCB got off to a fast start, reaching 126/2 in just 12.5 overs while chasing a target of 175. Virat Kohli, who was instrumental KKR in the final of the T20 World Cup with 55 runs off only 30 balls, set the mood for a comprehensive run chase.

Kohli came out early on and made a statement. His 50 from 30 balls, complete with elegantly placed boundaries and brute force sixes, was a family blend of class and aggression. The boundaries were perfectly timed, and the sixes were flamboyantly struck. Kohli was smart and good at managing KKR's key bowlers Sunil Narine and Andre Russell by executing controlled selection and timely tactics that managed KKR's key threat. Kohli's uncanny ability to not only control the game but also change the strike kept KKR on the back foot, and at times made their bowlers non-factors.

Virat Kohli slams half-century in 30 balls. RCB 126/2 in 12.5 overs vs Kolkata Knight Riders (174/8) in IPL 2025 opener#KKRvsRCB #IPL2025 #IPL #RCBvsKKR #KKRvRCB

LIVE Scorecard: https://t.co/yOUIKX9afG

LIVE Updates: https://t.co/ws1DBsbi3N

— CricketNDTV (@CricketNDTV) March 22, 2025

Also Read: Watch:A fan breached the field and touched Virat Kohli's feet.

Bitten by KKR's inconsistency with their bowling, RCB was intent on an aggressive start from the powerplay. With Kohli taking responsibility, other batters played their part in the chase to make sure that RCB kept on track and when RCB lost their second wicket in the 12.5 over mark, they had all but sealed the game, with the wicket at Eden Gardens also suggesting that stroke play would bring ease to batting.

The KKR bowlers and fielders did not do a great job for a total of 174/8. Missed chances and bad lines allowed RCB to dominate KKR’s overmatched bowlers. KKR’s batters did show flashes but were far too inconsistent and could not really build on their victories over RCB’s disciplined bowling. An explosive 50 off 30 balls by Virat Kohli propelled RCB to an aggressive start on a punishing evening in IPL 2025’s opener against KKR with a chase of 175. RCB reached 126/2 in just 12.5 overs and that was enough to reiterate the advantage and confidence of RCB’s batters.