Kolkata Knight Riders vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru Match Scorecard

Hey there, cricket fans! Let’s dive into the electrifying clash that kicked off the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season—a blockbuster match between the Kolkata Knight Riders vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru Match Scorecard the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata on March 22, 2025. This game had everything: big hits, tight bowling, and a chase that kept us all on the edge of our seats. Whether you’re a die-hard cricket lover or just someone who enjoys a good game, I’m here to break it all down in a way that’s easy to follow, fun to read, and packed with all the juicy details. Plus, I’ve got a full scorecard table for you to check out, so you can see exactly how the action unfolded.

The Stage is Set: Eden Gardens Roars to Life

Picture this: a packed Eden Gardens stadium, buzzing with energy, as fans in purple and gold (for KKR) and red and black (for RCB) cheer their hearts out. The IPL’s opening match is always special, but this one felt extra epic because it was a rematch of the very first IPL game back in 2008, when KKR thumped RCB. Fast forward to 2025, and both teams were ready to make a statement. KKR, the defending champions, were led by new captain Ajinkya Rahane, while RCB, under debutant skipper Rajat Patidar, were hungry to finally lift that elusive IPL trophy.

The toss happened under the bright lights, and RCB’s Patidar called it right, choosing to bowl first. With dew expected later in the evening (which makes the ball slippery and harder to grip for bowlers), chasing was the smart move. KKR’s Rahane admitted he would’ve bowled first too, so both teams knew the conditions favored the team batting second. The stage was set for a cracker of a game.

KKR’s Batting: A Hot Start, a Wobbly Finish

KKR’s innings got off to a flyer, thanks to their openers, Quinton de Kock and Sunil Narine. De Kock, the South African wicketkeeper-batter, smacked a boundary off Josh Hazlewood’s first over, but his stay was short-lived. Hazlewood got him caught behind for just 4 runs, and KKR were 4/1 in the first over. Enter Ajinkya Rahane, KKR’s new captain, who walked in with a point to prove.

Rahane and Narine lit up Eden Gardens with a dazzling partnership. Narine, known for his explosive batting, smashed 44 runs off just 26 balls, including 5 fours and 3 sixes. His aggressive style kept the RCB bowlers on their toes. Rahane, on the other hand, played a captain’s knock, scoring a brilliant 56 off 31 balls with 6 fours and 4 sixes. Their 103-run stand for the second wicket was the backbone of KKR’s innings, and by the 10th over, they were cruising at 107/2.

But here’s where things got tricky for KKR. RCB’s spinners, led by Krunal Pandya, turned the game around. Pandya, who was named Player of the Match, bowled a tight spell, picking up 3 wickets for just 29 runs in his 4 overs. He dismissed Rahane, Venkatesh Iyer (6 off 7), and Rinku Singh (12 off 10), breaking KKR’s momentum. Narine fell to Rasikh Salam, and Andre Russell, KKR’s big-hitting all-rounder, couldn’t get going, scoring just 4 before being bowled by Suyash Sharma.

The middle and lower order struggled to keep up the run rate. Angkrish Raghuvanshi played a handy 30 off 22, but wickets kept tumbling. Harshit Rana (5 off 6) and Ramandeep Singh (6 not out off 9) tried to push the score, but KKR finished at 174/8 in their 20 overs. It was a decent total, but with dew setting in and RCB’s firepower in batting, KKR knew they’d need to bowl out of their skins to defend it.

RCB’s Chase: Kohli and Salt Steal the Show

Chasing 175, RCB’s openers, Virat Kohli and Phil Salt, walked out to a roaring crowd. Salt, playing his first game for RCB after switching from KKR, was eager to make a mark. And boy, did he deliver! The English wicketkeeper-batter smashed a stunning 56 off just 31 balls, with 9 fours and 2 sixes. His fifty came off just 25 balls, and he looked unstoppable, especially against KKR’s pacers.

Kohli, the run-machine, played the anchor role perfectly. He scored an unbeaten 59 off 36 balls, with 4 fours and 3 sixes, guiding RCB through the chase with his trademark calmness. Together, Salt and Kohli put on a 100-plus run partnership that took the sting out of KKR’s bowling attack. By the 9th over, RCB were 93/0, and the chase looked like a cakewalk.

KKR’s spinners, Sunil Narine and Varun Chakaravarthy, tried to pull things back. Chakaravarthy got the breakthrough, dismissing Salt for 56, and Narine removed Rajat Patidar (10 off 10). Vaibhav Arora, KKR’s Impact Player, got rid of Jitesh Sharma (34 off 16), who had smashed a quick cameo. But with Kohli still at the crease and Liam Livingstone (15 not out off 5) finishing things off with a boundary, RCB cruised to 177/3 in just 16.2 overs, winning by 7 wickets with 22 balls to spare.

The dew made it tough for KKR’s bowlers, especially their spinners, as the ball skidded onto the bat. Narine (1/27) and Chakaravarthy (1/43) were expensive, and the pacers couldn’t find their rhythm. RCB’s clinical chase showed why they’re one of the favorites for the 2025 title.

Key Moments That Defined the Kolkata Knight Riders vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru Match Scorecard

Let’s talk about the moments that made this game unforgettable:

1. Rahane-Narine Partnership: KKR’s 103-run stand between Rahane and Narine gave them a strong foundation. Without it, KKR might’ve struggled to cross 150.
2. Krunal Pandya’s Magic: Pandya’s 3/29 turned the tide for RCB. His ability to bowl tight lines and pick up key wickets was the game-changer.
3. Salt’s Explosive Start: Phil Salt’s 56 off 31 set the tone for RCB’s chase. His fearless batting against his former team was a statement.
4. Kohli’s Milestone: Virat Kohli became the third batter to score 1,000 runs against KKR in the IPL, joining David Warner and Rohit Sharma. His unbeaten 59 was classic Kohli—calm, composed, and match-winning.
5. The Dew Factor: The evening dew at Eden Gardens made it tough for KKR’s bowlers to grip the ball, giving RCB’s batters an edge in the chase.

Player of the Match: Krunal Pandya Shines

Krunal Pandya was the hero for RCB, earning the Player of the Match award for his brilliant bowling. His 3 wickets, including the big scalps of Rahane, Iyer, and Singh, pegged KKR back just when they looked set for a 200-plus total. Pandya later said, “Playing in front of such a big crowd, you need to narrow down your focus. Batters today have so many shots, so you have to evolve as a bowler.” His variations, including a clever bouncer and a deadly yorker, showed why he’s such a valuable all-rounder.

What’s Next for Both Teams?

For RCB, this win was the perfect start to their 2025 campaign. With Kohli in form, Salt firing, and a balanced bowling attack led by Pandya and Hazlewood, they look like a team that can go all the way. Their next challenge will be to maintain this momentum, especially at their home ground, the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.

KKR, on the other hand, will be disappointed but not discouraged. Rahane’s fifty and Narine’s all-round contribution showed promise, but their middle order needs to step up. Their bowling, especially in the Powerplay, also needs work. With a long season ahead, KKR have plenty of time to bounce back, starting with their next game.

The Rivalry: A Quick Look Back

The KKR-RCB rivalry is one of the oldest in the IPL, dating back to that famous 2008 opener when Brendon McCullum’s 158* powered KKR to a 140-run win. Over the years, KKR have had the upper hand, leading the head-to-head 21-15 before this match. But RCB’s 7-wicket win in 2025 showed they’re ready to turn the tables. With stars like Kohli, Narine, and Russell in the mix, this rivalry never fails to deliver drama.

Full Scorecard Table

Here’s the complete scorecard for the KKR vs RCB match, so you can see every run, wicket, and key stat:

Wrapping Up: A Dream Start for RCB

What a way to kick off IPL 2025! RCB’s dominant win over KKR showed they mean business this season, while KKR will be itching to make a comeback. The match had it all—big shots, clever bowling, and a chase that thrilled the fans. Whether you’re rooting for KKR’s purple army or RCB’s red brigade, one thing’s for sure: this IPL season is going to be a wild ride.

So, what did you think of the match? Were you cheering for Kohli’s masterclass or hoping for a KKR fightback? Let me know your thoughts, and stay tuned for more IPL action!