Krunal Pandya’s triple strike turns the tide as RCB crush KKR by 7 wickets in IPL opener | Cricket News

Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s Krunal Pandya, proper, celebrates with teammate Virat Kohli. (AP Photo)

NEW DELHI: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) began their IPL 2025 marketing campaign with a bang, securing a convincing seven-wicket win over defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the iconic Eden Gardens on Saturday. Led by new skipper Rajat Patidar, RCB showcased their dominance with each bat and ball to kick off their season in fashion.
Chasing a aggressive goal of 175, RCB’s dynamic opening pair of Phil Salt and Virat Kohli stole the present. The duo placed on a blistering 95-run stand in simply 8.3 overs, setting the basis for a simple chase. Salt was the aggressor, hammering 56 off 31 balls with 9 fours and two sixes. Kohli, the “chase master,” remained unbeaten on 59 off 36 deliveries, guiding RCB to 177/3 in 16.2 overs. Though KKR managed to choose up a number of wickets, the harm had already been achieved, with Liam Livingstone sealing the victory with a boundary.
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The turning level of the match, nonetheless, got here in the first innings when Krunal Pandya produced a exceptional spell to limit KKR. At one stage, KKR appeared destined for a large complete, reaching 107/1 after 10 overs, with Ajinkya Rahane (56) and Sunil Narine (44) smashing the RCB bowlers. However, Krunal’s three-wicket burst in fast succession modified the recreation. He dismissed Rahane, Venkatesh Iyer (6), and Rinku Singh (0), sending shockwaves by way of the KKR camp and halting their momentum.
As it occurred: KKR vs RCB, IPL 2025 opener
Rahane fell making an attempt to clear the boundary however discovered the fielder at deep backward sq. leg. Soon after, Venkatesh Iyer was caught at long-on, and Rinku Singh fell prey to Krunal’s sharp flip. The once-promising innings collapsed from 107/1 to 145/5 inside just some overs. KKR by no means recovered, ultimately posting 174/8 in their 20 overs.
Josh Hazlewood complemented Krunal’s efforts, claiming two wickets for 22 runs, together with the key scalp of Quinton de Kock in the opening over. Rasikh Salam, Yash Dayal and Suyash Sharma chipped in with a wicket every.

Despite the valiant efforts of Rahane and Narine, KKR’s center order faltered below stress, unable to capitalise on the robust begin. The mixture of Krunal’s decisive spell and RCB’s ruthless batting efficiency made the distinction, guaranteeing a commanding victory for the guests.
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