🔴 LIVE: IPL 2025 Match 1 – KKR vs RCB: Live Score, Commentary & Eden Gardens Weather Updates

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The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) outplayed Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on their home soil in the season opener of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. Read out who said what? Click here- IPL 2025: Kolkata Knight Riders vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Match 1 - Who Said What?

Check here- IPL Orange Cap 2025- Most Runs in IPL 2025

Check here-  IPL 2025 Purple Cap

Krunal Pandya delivered a match-winning performance to claim the Player of the Match award. His all-round contribution played a key role in his team’s victory, showcasing his skills under pressure. A well-deserved recognition for a stellar performance!

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With this win, RCB has reignited the rivalry and will look to tilt the balance in their favor moving forward!

Royal Challengers Bengaluru made light work of Kolkata Knight Riders’ total, chasing 175 runs in just 16.2 overs to secure a resounding 7-wicket win. A clinical batting display saw them crush KKR in their own backyard, underlining their dominance.

Match Summary:

• KKR – 174/8 (20)

• RCB – 177/3 (16.2)

• RCB wins by 7 wickets with 22 balls to spare!

A statement victory for Bengaluru, showcasing their power-packed batting and supreme control in the chase!

Liam Livingstone seals the victory in style! He shuffles across and drills a powerful four past mid-on, securing a commanding win for Royal Challengers Bengaluru at Eden Gardens. RCB chased down the target effortlessly, handing KKR a crushing defeat on their home turf.

Final Score:

• KKR – 174/8 (20)

• RCB – 177/3 (16.2)

• RCB wins by 7 wickets with 22 balls to spare!

A clinical performance by Bengaluru – dominant with the bat, ruthless in the chase!

Liam Livingstone wastes no time! He smashes a huge six off Spencer Johnson, bringing RCB within touching distance of victory. Moving across the crease, he gets under a short ball and top-edges it over the RCB dugout. Just 2 runs needed for Bengaluru to seal the win!

Current Score:

• KKR – 174/8 (20)

• RCB – 173/3 (16.1)

• Only 2 runs required for victory!

RCB is just one shot away – can Livingstone wrap it up in style?

Royal Challengers Bengaluru are just 8 runs away from sealing a comfortable win over Kolkata Knight Riders, with 24 balls in hand. Despite Rajat Patidar’s dismissal after a solid 34 off 16 balls, Liam Livingstone has started aggressively with a boundary, while Virat Kohli remains steady at 59 off 36 balls.

Current Score:

• KKR – 174/8 (20)

• RCB – 167/3 (16)

• Required Run Rate: 2.00

With RCB cruising, it's only a matter of time before they cross the finish line. Can KKR pull off a last-minute twist?

Royal Challengers Bengaluru are in complete control of the chase, requiring just 13 runs off 27 balls to seal the win against Kolkata Knight Riders. With a strong run rate of 10.45, RCB has dominated the chase so far.

Current Score:

• KKR – 174/8 (20)

• RCB – 162/3 (15.3)

• Required Run Rate: 2.89

It’s just a matter of time before RCB completes the job. Can KKR pull off a miracle, or will RCB cruise to an easy win?

Rajat Patidar’s entertaining innings comes to an end as he finds Rinku Singh at deep mid-wicket. He looked in sublime touch, smashing 34 off 16 balls, including five boundaries and a six. Just before his dismissal, he picked up another four with a well-placed shot over deep backward square leg.

Current Score After 15.3 Overs:

• RCB – 162/3

• Virat Kohli – 59(36)*

Can Kohli now anchor RCB to a big finish?

Rajat Patidar takes charge in style, smashing four boundaries in the over against Harshit Rana. His elegant wristwork and aggressive intent are pushing RCB towards a commanding total. Despite a few fielding lapses, Patidar ensures the runs keep flowing, punishing the bowlers with well-placed strokes.

Current Score After 15 Overs:

• RCB – 157/2

• Virat Kohli – 58(35)*

• Rajat Patidar – 30(14)*

With five overs left, how big can RCB go?

Rajat Patidar shows his class against spin! He steps forward and lofts a beautifully timed six over long-on, taking on Sunil Narine in style. This is exactly what RCB needs to keep the momentum going!

📊 After 13.2 Overs:
🔹 RCB – 133/2
🔹 Virat Kohli – 54(31)*
🔹 Rajat Patidar – 10(8)*

RCB pushing the pace! Can they capitalize from here?

Virat Kohli reaches his half-century in style, lofting a beautiful shot over covers! The Eden Gardens crowd erupts, chanting his name, and even a pitch invader rushes in to bow at his feet before being taken away. Kohli is in sublime touch!

📊 After 13 Overs:
🔹 RCB – 127/2
🔹 Virat Kohli – 54(31)*
🔹 Rajat Patidar – 4(6)*

RCB is cruising! Can Kohli anchor the innings till the end? Stay tuned!

RCB loses Devdutt Padikkal (10 off 10) as he tries to take on Narine but finds Ramandeep Singh at deep mid-wicket. A crucial breakthrough for KKR! Meanwhile, Virat Kohli moves to 49 and is just one run away from his half-century!*

📊 After 12 Overs:
🔹 RCB – 119/2
🔹 Virat Kohli – 49(29)*
🔹 Rajat Patidar – 1(2)*

Can Kohli bring up his 50 in style? Stay tuned!

RCB keeps the momentum going as Virat Kohli smashes a massive six over long-on! 🙌🔥 He’s closing in on his half-century, keeping the scoreboard ticking.

📊 After 11 Overs:
🔹 RCB – 115/1
🔹 Virat Kohli – 47(27)*
🔹 Devdutt Padikkal – 9(8)*

Kohli is looking in sublime touch—will he get to his 50 in style? Stay tuned!

Virat Kohli has now become the third batter in IPL history to score 1000+ runs against KKR! 👏💯

🏏 Most Runs vs KKR in IPL:
🔹 1093 - David Warner
🔹 1070 - Rohit Sharma
🔹 1000 - Virat Kohli*

Kohli continues to dominate against KKR—will he surpass Warner and Rohit in this season itself? Stay tuned!

At the halfway mark, RCB are 104/1 after 10 overs, with Virat Kohli on 38 (23) and Devdutt Padikkal on 7 (6).

➡️ Sunil Narine concedes 8 runs in the over.
➡️ Kohli becomes the first batter to score 1000 runs against KKR in IPL history!

Check out- IPL 2025: Funniest Memes from KKR vs RCB Mid-Innings of Match 1

KKR finally get the breakthrough! Phil Salt falls for 56 off 31 balls, caught by Spencer Johnson at short third man off Varun Chakaravarthy’s bowling. Johnson admitted he briefly lost sight of the ball in the lights but managed to hold on.

🔥 Salt’s innings: 9 fours, 2 sixes – a stunning knock on debut!
🧩 RCB now need Kohli to anchor the chase.

Can KKR capitalize on this wicket, or will RCB continue their charge?

RCB continue their strong start, reaching 86/0 after 7 overs. Phil Salt (50 off 25) has announced himself in style on his debut, bringing up a quickfire half-century. Meanwhile, Virat Kohli (34 off 17) remains steady, playing some classy strokes.

Key Moments:
✅ Salt reaches fifty with a single to long-off 🎯
✅ Kohli slogsweeps Varun Chakaravarthy for a four over deep mid-wicket 💥
✅ Varun’s googly causing some trouble, but RCB still cruising 🚀

Can KKR find a breakthrough, or will RCB continue their domination?

RCB's 80/0 against KKR in Kolkata today ranks as one of their highest powerplay scores in IPL history! Their aggressive starts have been a defining trait, with some massive totals in the first six overs over the years.

🔹 Highest Powerplay Scores for RCB in IPL:
✅ 92/1 vs GT (Bengaluru, 2024)
✅ 80/0 vs KKR (Kolkata, 2025)
✅ 79/1 vs KTK (Bengaluru, 2011)
✅ 79/0 vs SRH (Bengaluru, 2024)

Can RCB convert this flying start into a dominant victory today? Stay tuned!

RCB finish the powerplay at 80/0, setting a solid platform for the chase. Harshit Rana bowls a tidy over, conceding just 5 runs, but KKR desperately need a breakthrough. Philip Salt (49) is just one run away from his fifty, while Kohli (29) looks comfortable at the crease.**

🔹 RCB – 80/0 (6)
🏏 Philip Salt – 49*(23) | Virat Kohli – 29*(13)

Can KKR strike back after the powerplay, or will RCB continue their charge?

A big chance goes begging for KKR! Kohli edges one off Harshit Rana, but Ramandeep Singh, sprinting from third man, can't hold onto it. He lands awkwardly, jamming his fingers into the ground, and is in serious pain. The physio rushes in to assess him.

🔹 RCB – 81/0 (5.5)
🏏 Philip Salt – 49*(22) | Virat Kohli – 28*(11)

Can KKR capitalize on any upcoming chances, or will RCB continue their dominant run?

RCB is absolutely tearing apart KKR’s bowling attack! Kohli started the over with back-to-back sixes, showcasing his classic down-the-ground hitting. Salt then finished it in style, guiding a four past backward point. RCB reaches 75 in just 5 overs – complete domination!

🔹 RCB – 75/0 (5)
🏏 Philip Salt – 48*(21) | Virat Kohli – 25*(9)

Can KKR find a breakthrough, or will this onslaught continue?

Virat Kohli is in beast mode now! Another overpitched delivery from Spencer Johnson, and Kohli punishes it once again – this time just clearing the rope! He holds the pose, admiring his brilliant shot. RCB is cruising with absolute dominance!

🔹 RCB – 70/0 (4.2)
🏏 Kohli – 24*(7) | Salt – 44*(19)

KKR is under pressure. Who will step up to break this partnership?

Virat Kohli isn’t staying behind in this carnage! Spencer Johnson returns to the attack, but Kohli welcomes him in style – a stunning six over long-off. Perfect timing, pure class! With Salt already in destructive form, Kohli now joins the boundary fest.

🔹 RCB – 64/0 (4.1)
🏏 Kohli – 18*(6) | Salt – 44*(19)

KKR needs something special to break this partnership!

Philip Salt is unleashing an absolute assault on KKR’s bowling attack! Varun Chakaravarthy is taken to the cleaners, with Salt smashing four boundaries and a massive six in the over. The English batter is in supreme touch, bringing up RCB’s fifty in no time. Virat Kohli, playing second fiddle, rotates strike smartly.

🔹 RCB – 58/0 (4)
🏏 Salt – 44*(19) | Kohli – 12*(5)

KKR desperately needs a breakthrough as RCB continues to dominate!

Phil Salt is in unstoppable form! Varun Chakaravarthy’s introduction doesn't slow him down as he smashes a massive six over long-off, followed by a classy lofted four in the same region. A well-placed two keeps the scoreboard ticking, while Virat Kohli calmly rotates the strike. RCB is off to a commanding start, making light work of the KKR attack.

KKR needs a breakthrough, and fast!

RCB openers are off to a dream start! 20 runs off the third over, as Vaibhav Arora comes under heavy attack. Phil Salt continues his power-hitting spree with a boundary to deep backward point, while Virat Kohli gets in on the act, stepping out and finding a four past mid-wicket. The RCB dugout is all smiles as their chase picks up steam.

🔹 RCB – 37/0 after 3 overs
🏏 Salt – 24*(14) | Kohli – 11*(4)

KKR need a breakthrough fast!

Phil Salt is wasting no time! He smashes Vaibhav Arora for a four and a six in consecutive deliveries. The bowler is searching for swing but ends up overpitching, and Salt takes full advantage. A lofted drive over mid-on for four, followed by a massive six over long-on, sets the tone for RCB’s chase.

🔹 RCB – 27/0 after 2.2 overs
🏏 Salt – 19*(12) | Kohli – 6*(2)

RCB looking dangerous early on! Can KKR pull things back?

Spencer Johnson starts his spell with a tight over, conceding just 5 runs, including a well-timed cover drive for four by Phil Salt. The pacer is sticking to his angles, forcing Salt into a few mistimed shots. However, Salt is adjusting well and looking to take on the bowling. Kohli is yet to face another delivery after the first over.

🔹 RCB – 17/0 after 2 overs
🏏 Salt – 9*(10) | Kohli – 6*(2)

Can KKR break this opening stand? Stay tuned!

RCB start their chase of 175 on a positive note, scoring 12 runs in the first over. Phil Salt got off the mark in style with a cracking cover drive for four, while Virat Kohli flicked one uppishly to the vacant mid-wicket boundary. Vaibhav Arora generated some inswing but couldn't stop the flow of runs. A decent start for RCB!

🔹 RCB – 12/0 after 1 over
🏏 Kohli – 6*(2) | Salt – 5*(4)

Stay tuned for more updates!

Read here- Why was Sunil Narine not given out 'hit wicket'? Explained

KKR set a target of 175 runs after a rollercoaster innings. RCB’s bowlers made a strong comeback, restricting KKR when they looked set for a much bigger total. Now, it's over to RCB's batters to chase down this target and start their IPL 2025 campaign with a win!

Will they pull it off? Stay tuned for the chase!

KKR Restricted to 174/8 – RCB Bowlers Fight Back! 🔥

After a blazing start, KKR's innings fizzled out, finishing at 174/8 in 20 overs. At one stage, they looked set for 230+, but RCB’s bowlers staged a brilliant comeback. Krunal Pandya led the charge, supported by smart pace-off bowling.

Now, it's over to the RCB batters! Can they chase down 175 and secure a crucial win? Stay tuned!

Hazlewood Shines in the Death Overs! 🎯

A brilliant final over from Josh Hazlewood, conceding just 5 runs and picking up a wicket! KKR struggled to accelerate in the last few overs, with Harshit Rana falling after a four. The innings ended with Spencer Johnson and Ramandeep Singh at the crease.

RCB will be pleased with their death-over bowling, restricting KKR below 180 when it once looked like they could reach 190+. Now, it’s up to their batters to chase it down!

Harshit Rana managed to get a streaky boundary, edging a short ball over the keeper, but his luck ran out soon after! He attempted a big pull shot, only to top-edge it high into the sky, where Jitesh Sharma called for it and completed the catch near square leg.

A well-deserved wicket for Josh Hazlewood, who has been bowling brilliantly in the death overs. KKR are now 173/8 with just one ball left. Can they squeeze in one final big hit?

A fantastic over from Yash Dayal, conceding just 4 runs and picking up the crucial wicket of Angkrish Raghuvanshi. The young batter, trying to go big, edged a short-of-length delivery straight to Jitesh Sharma, who took his third catch of the game.

KKR’s hopes of reaching 190+ now look slim, with Harshit Rana (1 off 1) and Ramandeep Singh (6 off 9) at the crease. They are now 169/7 after 19 overs. Can they find a late flourish in the final over?

A disciplined over from Josh Hazlewood puts pressure on KKR as they manage just 10 runs off it. Hazlewood mixed up his pace well, using yorkers and slower deliveries to keep the batters in check.

The only big moment came when Angkrish Raghuvanshi picked up a slower ball and smashed it for a six over mid-wicket. However, RCB bowlers have made a strong comeback, conceding only 14 runs in the last 3 overs.

KKR are now 165/6 after 18 overs with Ramandeep Singh (4 off 7) and Angkrish Raghuvanshi (29 off 19) at the crease. Can they push for a big finish in the final two overs?

RCB have substituted Suyash Sharma with Devdutt Padikkal (DDP) after his final over. It was a much-needed comeback for Suyash, who wasn’t having the best game but managed to grab a crucial wicket and bowl a tighter over.

With 4 overs left, KKR will aim to add at least 50 more runs, but the pitch seems to be offering some grip for the slower bowlers. Can they accelerate from here?

KKR’s innings continues to stumble as they lose another wicket. Despite a boundary in the over, they are struggling to build momentum. Suyash Sharma (4-0-47-1) finishes his spell with a crucial breakthrough.

With just 4 overs left, KKR need a big push from Angkrish Raghuvanshi (19 off 12) and Ramandeep Singh (1 off 2) to post a competitive total.

🔹 KKR – 151/6 after 16 overs
Angkrish Raghuvanshi 19(12) 🏏 | Ramandeep Singh 1(2) 🏏
Suyash Sharma 4-0-47-1 🎯

KKR’s troubles deepen as Andre Russell (4 off 3) departs! Suyash Sharma bowls a deceptive googly, and Russell falls for the bait—completely missing his slog as the ball crashes into the stumps. Rinku Singh (12 off 10) also fell earlier, bowled by Krunal Pandya, who is having a dream spell.

With wickets tumbling, KKR desperately need a partnership to stabilize their innings.

🔹 KKR – 145/5 after 15.4 overs
Angkrish Raghuvanshi 18(11) 🏏
Suyash Sharma 3.4-0-45-1 🎯 | Krunal Pandya 4-0-29-3 🎯

A tight over from Krunal Pandya as he concedes just 3 runs while also picking up the crucial wicket of Ajinkya Rahane in the previous ball. Venkatesh Iyer and Angkrish Raghuvanshi are now at the crease, looking to rebuild. LSG gaining control with disciplined bowling!

🔹 KKR – 110/3 after 11 overs
Venkatesh Iyer 1(3) 🏏 | Angkrish Raghuvanshi 1(1) 🏏
Krunal Pandya: 2-0-18-1 🎯

10.3 | Krunal Pandya to Rahane – OUT! The KKR skipper’s fantastic innings comes to an end. Krunal bowled it short and aimed at the leg side, tempting Rahane into a pull shot. However, he hit it flat and straight to Rasikh Salam at deep backward square leg. Rahane walks back after a superb 56 off 31 balls (6 fours, 4 sixes), setting up a solid base for KKR.

🔹 KKR – 110/3 after 10.3 overs
Sunil Narine 44(26) ❌ | Ajinkya Rahane 56(31) ❌
Krunal Pandya: 1.3-0-18-1 🎯

Sunil Narine’s blistering innings comes to an end! He attempted an aggressive shot off Rasikh Salam's short ball, but only managed an outside edge, safely taken by Jitesh Sharma behind the stumps. Despite his 44 off 26 (5 fours, 3 sixes), Narine’s knock has given KKR a strong platform.

🔹 KKR – 107/2 after 10 overs
Ajinkya Rahane 55*(29) | Sunil Narine 44(26) ❌
Rasikh Salam: 3-0-35-1 🎯

Sunil Narine smashes a massive six over long-on, bringing up a 100-run partnership with Rahane! Earlier in the over, he also placed a classy four past sweeper cover. KKR's batting duo is in complete control as they continue their attacking play!

Sunil Narine shifts gears with a massive six over extra cover, followed by a crunching four straight down the ground! Suyash Sharma erred in length, and Narine made him pay. KKR racing ahead with aggressive stroke play!

🔹 KKR – 96/1 after 9 overs
Ajinkya Rahane 54*(27) | Sunil Narine 34*(22)
Suyash Sharma: 2-0-27-0 🎯

Ajinkya Rahane, leading KKR for the first time, smashes a huge six over mid-wicket to bring up his fifty! Suyash Sharma served a fuller delivery outside off, and Rahane wasted no time in sending it into the stands. A captain's knock so far!

🔹 KKR – 80/1 after 8.1 overs
Ajinkya Rahane 51*(25) | Sunil Narine 22*(19)
Suyash Sharma: 1.1-0-11-0 🎯

Rasikh Salam returns for his second over, conceding 9 runs. Sunil Narine finds a boundary with a clever late cut, while Rahane continues to rotate the strike. There was also a moment of drama when Narine's bat accidentally knocked the stumps, dislodging a bail – but no appeal was made.

KKR are in control, but RCB will be looking for a breakthrough soon!

🔹 KKR – 74/1 after 8 overs
Ajinkya Rahane 45*(24) | Sunil Narine 22*(19)
Rasikh Salam: 2-0-24-0 🎯

Suyash Sharma comes into the attack and delivers a tight over, conceding just 5 runs. Ajinkya Rahane managed to find the gap for a well-placed boundary, but otherwise, the young leg-spinner kept things under control.

KKR are building steadily, with Rahane leading the charge. Can RCB break this partnership soon?

🔹 KKR – 65/1 after 7 overs
Ajinkya Rahane 44*(22) | Sunil Narine 17*(15)
Suyash Sharma: 1-0-5-0 🎯

A massive over for KKR as Ajinkya Rahane and Sunil Narine go on the attack against Yash Dayal. Narine started with a blazing four, and Rahane took charge with two fours and a six, bringing up a 50-run partnership between the two.

Rahane is playing a blinder, showing his T20 intent with aggressive strokeplay! KKR finish the powerplay strongly at 60/1. 💪🏏

🔹 KKR – 60/1 after 6 overs
Ajinkya Rahane 39*(16) | Sunil Narine 17*(15)
Yash Dayal: 2-0-21-0 🚨

A big over for KKR as Sunil Narine and Ajinkya Rahane go after Krunal Pandya. Narine started with a huge 89m six, followed by Rahane smashing back-to-back fours to end the over.

Rajat Patidar had a quick chat with Krunal, but KKR batters continue to dominate. Momentum shifting towards KKR! 💪🏏

🔹 KKR – 40/1 after 5 overs
Ajinkya Rahane 24*(12) | Sunil Narine 12*(13)
Krunal Pandya: 1-0-15-0 🚨

As Krunal Pandya comes into the attack, Sunil Narine wastes no time in attacking. A fuller and quicker delivery outside off, and Narine clears his front leg to launch it for a massive 89-metre six over wide long-on.

KKR batters shifting gears now!

Ajinkya Rahane takes charge, smashing two sixes and a four in a single over off Rasikh Salam. After a quiet start, the KKR skipper is showing his class, taking advantage of some loose bowling.

🔹 KKR – 25/1 after 4 overs
Ajinkya Rahane 16*(8) | Sunil Narine 5*(11)
Rasikh Salam: 1-0-16-0 🚨

The KKR skipper is in full flow! Rasikh Salam delivers a harmless 130 km/h ball outside off, and Ajinkya Rahane pounces on it. He gets into position and absolutely launches it for a huge 92-metre six!

Rahane is making a statement here, punishing some ordinary bowling. KKR gaining momentum! 💪🏏

Ajinkya Rahane finally opens his account in style! Rasikh Salam bowls a wayward length ball down the leg side, and Rahane flicks it effortlessly to the fine leg fence for four.

Next delivery—BOOM! A short ball at 129 km/h, and Rahane smashes a perfectly timed pull shot over deep square leg for a massive six. Poor line and length from Salam, and Rahane makes him pay! 

A disciplined over from Josh Hazlewood, but Sunil Narine finally finds a boundary to ease the pressure. Hazlewood keeps it tight with three dot balls upfront before Narine punches one through for four. KKR still struggling to find momentum.

🔹 KKR – 9/1 after 3 overs
Sunil Narine 5*(11) | Ajinkya Rahane 0*(2)
Josh Hazlewood: 2-0-8-1 🎯

A superb over from Yash Dayal, conceding just 1 run and keeping things tight for KKR. The left-arm pacer bowled with great control, not allowing the batters any room to free their arms.

🔹 KKR – 5/1 after 2 overs
Ajinkya Rahane 0*(2) | Sunil Narine 1*(5)
Yash Dayal: 1-0-1-0 🎯

A dramatic first over! Josh Hazlewood concedes 4 runs but delivers a massive breakthrough, dismissing Quinton de Kock. He started with a dot, then de Kock smashed a boundary, but the pacer came back strong, keeping it tight before claiming the big wicket.

🔹 KKR – 4/1 after 1 over
Ajinkya Rahane 0*(1) | Sunil Narine 0*(0)
Josh Hazlewood: 1-0-4-1 🎯

Josh Hazlewood strikes in his very first over! Quinton de Kock is caught behind by Jitesh Sharma, but there’s a moment of suspense as the fourth umpire asks him to wait. After review, it's confirmed – a clean catch!

Hazlewood gets the ball to nip back in from a length, forcing de Kock into an awkward poke. The batter was caught in two minds, neither fully forward nor back. He chops at it with hard hands, gets a thick inside edge, and Jitesh Sharma takes a brilliant low catch, diving to his left. KKR lose their first wicket!

👉 de Kock c Jitesh Sharma b Hazlewood 4(5) [4s-1]

Broadcasters wrongly show Kohli instead of Josh Hazlewood.

चिरकुट ज़िंदगी@Chirayu_Jain26

Wrongfooted inswinging menace

07:36 PM · Mar 22, 2025

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Huge moment early in the game! Josh Hazlewood bangs it short outside off, and Quinton de Kock goes for the pull but gets a massive top-edge. The ball balloons high on the leg-side, straight to mid-wicket. Suyash Sharma had all the time to settle under it, but he fumbles! The crowd noise surges—was it just nerves? 🤯

Josh Hazlewood delivers at 132 km/h with some width, and Quinton de Kock takes full advantage! He leans back and smashes a cracking cut shot past the diving fielder at backward point. The crowd erupts in celebration! 

Quinton de Kock and Sunil Narine step out to open for Kolkata Knight Riders. de Kock takes the strike, while Josh Hazlewood has the new ball and is set to kick off the proceedings for Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Let the battle begin! 

Both teams have named their Impact Substitutes, who could play a crucial role in shifting the momentum of the match.

🟡 Kolkata Knight Riders Impact Subs:
Anrich Nortje, Manish Pandey, Vaibhav Arora, Anukul Roy, Luvnith Sisodia.

🚀 Royal Challengers Bengaluru Impact Subs:
Devdutt Padikkal, Abhinandan Singh, Manoj Bhandage, Romario Shepherd, Swapnil Singh.

Will we see a tactical substitution in action tonight? Stay tuned!

The teams are set for the first clash of IPL 2025! Here’s how the two sides line up:

🚀 Royal Challengers Bengaluru (Playing XI):
Virat Kohli, Philip Salt (w), Rajat Patidar (c), Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma, Tim David, Krunal Pandya, Rasikh Dar Salam, Suyash Sharma, Josh Hazlewood, Yash Dayal.

🟡 Kolkata Knight Riders (Playing XI):
Quinton de Kock (w), Venkatesh Iyer, Ajinkya Rahane (c), Rinku Singh, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Sunil Narine, Andre Russell, Ramandeep Singh, Spencer Johnson, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakaravarthy.

Both teams have gone with a strong mix of experience and youth. Get ready for a thrilling contest!

Rahane Proud to Lead, Patidar Excited for the Challenge

Ajinkya Rahane: "It's an honor to captain this team. Our preparations have been solid, and the core group remains unchanged. The plan is to put up a strong total and defend it later. The key is to give players the freedom to express themselves and play as a unit. We are playing with three pacers and two spinners."

Rajat Patidar: "We've chosen to bowl first as the pitch looks hard. Leading RCB is an amazing experience, and I’m excited to learn from the greats. We've prepared well over the last 10-15 days. Honestly, I'm a bit confused about the impact player rule. We’re also going in with three pacers and two spinners."

Rajat Patidar called heads, and the coin landed on heads! Royal Challengers Bengaluru have won the toss and decided to bowl first.

Spencer Johnson receives his KKR cap from Sunil Narine

Check out- Detailed Analysis of Revenue Streams

Toss Delayed due to ceremony

The OG performer Shreya Ghoshal is gracing the IPL opening ceremony with her melody.

IPL Xtra@IPLXtraa

Shreya Goshal Performing Live At IPL 2025 Opening Ceremony #KKRvsRCB | #IPL2025

06:13 PM · Mar 22, 2025

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The two grounds have given the fans some of the most iconic matches in IPL history that are remembered even today.

Check Out the Home Ground Comparison:: Eden Gardens vs Chinnaswamy Stadium

Good news from Eden Gardens – it has stopped raining!

Good news for the fans😃- No rain in Kolkata and the covers are off!!

CricTracker@Cricketracker

Cloudy skies over Eden Gardens, but no rain for now☁️🌥️ The rain gods are showing mercy on cricket fans🙏🏏 📸: Ankita Sarkar/Instagram

03:11 PM · Mar 22, 2025

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Consequently, rain playing spoilsport and potentially affecting the first match of IPL 2025 is a possibility. While this news might seem detrimental to both teams, it could turn out to be a blessing in disguise for RCB. Read here - Could a rain washout benefit RCB?

Sun is out over the Eden Gardens🌞!!

Dr Artistic Soul@dr_artisticsoul

Now even god doesn't want Kkr to get even a single point. Weather is clear at Eden gardens, kolkata #KKRvsRCB #IPL2025

02:33 PM · Mar 22, 2025

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