IPL 2025: KKR vs RCB, Match 1 – Key Player Stats and Milestones Achieved
The much-anticipated IPL 2025 season kicked off in grand fashion, with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) making a statement win against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the opening match.
A Star-Studded Opening Night
Before the on-field action began, fans were treated to a dazzling opening ceremony featuring a mesmerizing performance by Shreya Ghoshal and an electrifying dance sequence by Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, alongside Rinku Singh and Virat Kohli.
Match Summary: RCB Outclass KKR
RCB, after winning the toss, opted to bowl first, putting the home team under early pressure. Despite a sluggish start, KKR’s captain Ajinkya Rahane led the fightback with a quickfire 56 off 31 balls. Sunil Narine (44 off 26) also found his rhythm, helping KKR rebuild.
However, RCB’s bowlers turned the tide with Krunal Pandya (3/29) and Josh Hazlewood (2/22) dismantling the middle order. Their disciplined bowling effort ensured KKR could only manage 174 runs, despite being in a strong position earlier.
RCB’s chase was nothing short of spectacular. Former KKR player Phil Salt (56 off 31) announced his arrival with a boundary off the first ball, setting the tone. With Virat Kohli (59* off 36) anchoring the innings, RCB powered through, amassing 80 runs in the powerplay. Even after losing Salt and Devdutt Padikkal in quick succession, captain Rajat Patidar (34 off 16) and Liam Livingstone ensured a comfortable finish, sealing the victory with 22 balls to spare.
Key Stats and Records from the Game
- 3 – Virat Kohli became the third Indian cricketer to play 400 T20 matches, following Rohit Sharma and Dinesh Karthik.
- 3 – Krunal Pandya’s 3/29 is the third-best debut bowling performance by an RCB spinner in IPL history. Samuel Badree (4/9) and Muttiah Muralitharan (3/25) top the list.
- 58.33 / 166.13 – Ajinkya Rahane’s batting average and strike rate in his last nine T20 innings. He was the highest run-getter in the 2024 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, amassing 525 runs and earning the Player of the Tournament award.
- 100 Sixes – Sunil Narine became only the third KKR player to hit 100 IPL sixes, behind Andre Russell (206) and Nitish Rana (107).
- 80/0 – RCB’s powerplay total in this game is their second-highest ever, following the 92/1 they achieved against Gujarat Titans in 2024.
- 3 – Phil Salt’s 56 is the joint third-highest debut score for RCB in IPL history. Chris Gayle (102* in 2011) and Faf du Plessis (88 in 2022) hold the top two spots.
- 1,000 IPL Runs vs KKR – Virat Kohli became only the third player to score 1,000 IPL runs against KKR, joining David Warner and Rohit Sharma.
- 4 – KKR is now the fourth IPL franchise against whom Virat Kohli has scored over 1,000 runs. No other batter has reached this milestone against more than three teams.
- 8 – Kohli now shares the record for the most fifty-plus scores against KKR in IPL, tying with David Warner and Suresh Raina.
Final Thoughts
RCB’s dominant performance in the season opener sets the tone for what promises to be an exhilarating IPL 2025. With Kohli in sublime touch and their batting lineup firing, RCB looks poised for a strong campaign. Meanwhile, KKR will need to regroup and address their middle-order concerns ahead of their next fixture.
