Kohli, Salt Lead RCB to Opening IPL Victory Over KKR

In the opening match of the 2025 Indian Premier League, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) achieved a convincing seven-wicket victory over the defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Virat Kohli played a pivotal role, scoring an unbeaten 59 off 36 balls, while Phil Salt contributed a rapid 56 off 31 balls, leading RCB to chase down KKR's total of 174 runs in just 16.2 overs. KKR's captain Ajinkya Rahane top-scored for his team with 56 runs, but they struggled to maintain momentum, particularly in the second half of their innings, thanks to Krunal Pandya's effective bowling, which included three wickets for 29 runs. RCB's new captain Rajat Patidar added a quick 34 off 16 balls, helping secure a dominant win. The match marked Kohli's 400th T20 appearance and showcased RCB's strong batting lineup and bowling performance. The victory sets a positive tone for RCB as they embark on their IPL campaign.