Best IPL opening matches of all time – Where does the 2025 opener rank?

Over the years, the Indian Premier League (IPL) has witnessed some exhilarating matches to kick-start a new season. The first match in any tournament is important as a lot of fans tune in with a lot of interest. A memorable opening encounter sets the foundation and the expectations for the rest of the tournament.

In IPL 2025, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) made light work of defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the iconic Eden Gardens. After restricting KKR to 174/8 on a brilliant batting surface, Phil Salt and Virat Kohli's swashbuckling half-centuries helped the visiting side reach home with seven wickets and 22 balls to spare. However, to know whether this encounter ranks among the top five opening matches in IPL history, it is important to look at ones which captivated the audience with twists and turns like a typical Hollywood thriller.

5. RPSG stun Mumbai Indians on debut (2016)

Rising Pune Supergiant (RPSG) was one of the two teams which replaced Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) in IPL 2016 and IPL 2017. Under MS Dhoni's leadership, the Pune-based franchise turned heads when they shocked defending champions Mumbai Indians (MI) in their debut match.

MI won the toss and elected to bat first at the historic Wankhede Stadium. The Rohit Sharma-led side lost wickets at regular intervals as RPSG bowled superbly. The likes of Mitchell Marsh, Rajat Bhatia, and Murugan Ashwin used the sluggish conditions to their advantage and restricted MI to 121/8 in their 20 overs. In reply, RPSG romped home on the back of an unbeaten 42-ball 66 from Ajinkya Rahane. They chased the target in just 14.4 overs with nine wickets to spare.