Picture Credit: BCCI/IPL
In the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 opening game between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Virat Kohli’s name was shown as an opening bowler in the scorecard while Josh Hazlewood kicked off the bowling innings for the visitors. In the much-awaited opening clash, RCB emerged victorious at the toss and invited defending champions to bat first. In the first over, Suyash Sharma dropped Quinton de Kock on the third delivery of the game but the lanky pacer showcased his mettle and got the better of the left-handed batter a couple of balls later and delivered the first breakthrough to Bengaluru.
During the opening over, another incident grabbed the attention was Kohli’s name displayed on the screen. The mistake caught a lot of eyes and some internet users didn’t miss the chance to come heavily on the broadcasters for the error. A user named Sawan Verma didn't relent and condemned the broadcasters for being obsessed with the veteran India player. He wrote on X, “#JioHotstar #KKRvsRCB #RCBvsKKR #IPL2025. Looks like broadcasters are obsessed with #ViratKohli. Look at the scorecard, Instead of Hazelwood, Kohli showing up as who opened the bowling for RCB.”
RCB will expect Kohli to shine with his bat in the second innings
Kohli’s responsibility will be to bat fiercely and deliver a quality start to Bengaluru in the second innings. England top-order batter Phil Salt is highly likely to accompany the 36-year-old as an opener. Kohli was the most successful batter for RCB in the 2024 season, winning the distinguished Orange Cap with 741 runs in 15 matches.
Salt also looked in fine touch with his bat in IPL 2024, hitting 435 runs in 12 matches at a formidable strike rate of 182.00. Besides Kohli and Salt, Bengaluru also have hard hitters such as Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma, and Tim David. Captain Rajat Patidar is also known for producing massive strokes from his bat.
