Courtesy: BCCI/IPL
Defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) faced a humiliating seven-wicket loss at the hands of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 opening game played at the iconic Eden Gardens. Following a target of 175, RCB looked fearless and took KKR bowlers to the cleaners. Openers Phil Salt and Virat Kohli batted ferociously and stitched a 95-run stand off just 8.3 overs. Their partnership shattered KKR’s confidence and eventually, the visitors chased down the total in their 17th over of the innings. Kohli, who won the Orange Cap in 2024, continued his excellent work and played an unbeaten 59 off 36.
After his team’s crushing defeat, Rahane divulged what handed the momentum to RCB despite the exceptional 103-run stand off 55 balls for the second-wicket stand between him and opener Sunil Narine for the second wicket. Batting first after losing the toss, Kolkata lost Quinton de Kock early on the fifth delivery of the contest but Narine along with Rahane built the fabulous partnership. Noting the rapid stand between both veterans, KKR were expecting to post the colossal total on the board. However, that didn’t happen as Rasikh Salam held his nerves and got rid of Narine, who scored 44 off 26. Following Salam’s attack, RCB looked relentless as Krunal Pandya also put pressure and bagged 3/29 figures (in four overs) to halt KKR on 174 runs.
Rahane said he along with Venkatesh Iyer discussed that posting the 200+ score on the board is possible for the team, but the fall of a few wickets in irregular intervals handed the momentum to Bengaluru. "I thought we were going well till the 13th over, but 2-3 wickets changed the momentum. Batters that followed tried their best, but it didn't work out. When Venky and I were batting, we discussed that 200-210 was achievable, but those wickets changed the momentum," remarked Rahane in the post-match press conference.
"A little bit of dew was there, but they had a very good powerplay with the bat. It (total) was under par. We were looking for 200-plus (score). We don't want to think too much about this game, but at the same time, just try and get better in certain areas," added the KKR skipper.
KKR will look to bounce back against RR on March 26
KKR will next take on Rajasthan Royals (RR) at the Barsapara Stadium on March 26. Following the heavy defeat, defending champions will be expected to play quality cricket against the Royals. Rahane will want his key batters Venkatesh Iyer, Andre Russell, and Rinku Singh to step up and produce solid knocks for the side.
Noting the disappointing bowling show in the opener at the Eden Gardens, Rahane will also seek a disciplined show from his bowlers against the Men in Pink in Guwahati on March 26. Against Bengaluru, all KKR bowlers, except for Narine, splurged runs at the economy of 10.00 or more.
