In the first match of IPL 2025, Royal Challengers Bangalore defeated Kolkata Knight Riders by 7 wickets. The KKR team came out to bat after losing the toss. Captain Ajinkya Rahane, along with Sunil Narayan, shared a 103 -run partnership for the second wicket. But KKR’s finisher could not redeem this beginning. Chasing a target of 175 runs, Virat Kohli and Phil Salat shared a 95 -run partnership for the first wicket. RCB won by 7 wickets by achieving the target with 22 balls.

1- Middle order flop show

Quinton Dickock was dismissed for 4 runs but after that captain Ajinkya Rahane and Sunil Narayan together gave KKR a bang. Both shared a 103 -run partnership for the second wicket. Rahane scored his half -century in 25 balls, scoring 39 runs in 16 balls in the powerplay. Sunil Narayan was dismissed for 44 runs and then Ajinkya Rahane returned to the pavilion after playing a good innings of 56 runs. But after this KKR’s middle order flopped completely.

Venkatesh Iyer (4) sold for 23 crore 75 lakhs was dismissed cheaply by Krunal Pandya. Big hitters like Rinku Singh (12), Andre Russell (4) flopped completely. Russell was bowled by Suyash and Rinku Singh was bowled by Krunal. KKR scored 67 runs in the last 10 overs while KKR scored 107 runs in the first 10 overs.

2- Sending Andre Russell up

Sending Andre Russell for batting up did not prove to be right. We know that he is a big hitter and his unbeaten is encouraged among other batsmen. Russell came after finishing 15 overs. He was bowled in the process of hitting a big hit off Suyash Sharma. Before him Ramandeep Singh could be sent, who came after Russell’s dismissal. He could not withstand the pressure.

3-Rahane’s poor captaincy

Ajinkya Rahane’s poor captaincy also became a major reason for defeat. Virat Kohli is always difficult against Sunil Narayan but Rahane did not give him a ball in the initial overs. The result was that both RCB openers kept scoring runs easily. In the powerplay itself, the RCB opening pair scored 80 runs without losing wickets, which made the target easier.

Virat Kohli Records: Virat Kohli played a brilliant half -century against Kolkata Knight Riders in the first match of the 18th edition of the IPL. Chasing a target of 175 runs, Kohli, along with Phil Salat, shared a 95 -run partnership for the first wicket in 8.3 overs. Kohli completed his half -century with fours off 30 balls. Kohli scored an unbeaten 59 in 36 balls. RCB defeated KKR by 7 wickets. In this match, Virat Kohli set a record, he joined a special club. The BCCI honored him by giving him ‘Momento’.

The first match of the IPL began with a grand opening ceremony. In this, BCCI President Roger Binny honored Virat Kohli by giving them a moment. It was written on Momento IPL 18. Let us tell you that this is the 18th edition of the IPL and the number of Kohli’s jersey is also 18. Kohli has also completed 18 years in the IPL, he is playing for RCB from the first season.

Virat Kohli included in the special club

When Virat Kohli landed in the first match of IPL against KKR, he joined a special club. This was Kohli’s 400th match of T20. Rohit Sharma is the highest T20 match player for India, who has played 448 T20 matches. The second Indian in the list is Dinesh Karthik, he has played 412 matches. Kohli has become the third Indian player to play 400 T20 matches.

The Bcci Felicitates Virat Kohli with ‘IPL 18’ Momento. pic.twitter.com/x5rcdbyh60

– Mufaddal Vohra (@Mufaddal_vohra) March 22, 2025

Virat Kohli dances with Shahrukh Khan

Virat Kohli shared the stage with Shahrukh Khan before getting Momento. Rinku Singh from KKR also participated in it. Shahrukh Khan also danced to the song ‘Jhoomhe Jo Pathan’ with Virat Kohli.

Talking about the match, RCB decided to bowl first by winning the toss. Rahane and Narayan shared a 103 -run partnership for the second wicket. But in the last 10 overs, KKR scored just 67 runs and could only score 174 runs in 20 overs. Virat Kohli and Phil Salat got a good start and scored 80 runs without losing wickets in the powerplay. RCB scored the target with 22 balls and registered a stunning win by 7 wickets.