Krunal Pandya Shines on RCB Debut, Destroys KKR in IPL 2025 Opener
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) got off to a sensational start in IPL 2025, thanks to a match-winning performance by debutant Krunal Pandya. The Indian all-rounder delivered a dream debut, dismantling Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) with his brilliant bowling at Eden Gardens.
Despite KKR’s power-packed lineup, including a ₹23.75 crore signing, Krunal’s three-wicket haul turned the match in RCB’s favor. Let’s dive into how RCB dominated KKR in the first match of the season.
Krunal’s Magic Turns the Game 🎯
🔹 Toss: RCB’s new captain Rajat Patidar won the toss and opted to bowl first.
🔹 Early Setback: Josh Hazlewood dismissed Quinton de Kock, but KKR’s Ajinkya Rahane (56 off 31) and Sunil Narine (44 off 26) built a 103-run partnership.
🔹 Rasikh Salam Broke the Stand: He dismissed Narine, and then it was Krunal Pandya showtime!
💥 Wicket 1 - Ajinkya Rahane: KKR captain was in top form but Krunal dismissed him just when he was looking dangerous.
💥 Wicket 2 - Venkatesh Iyer (₹23.75 crore buy): A well-directed bouncer unsettled Iyer, and he soon got bowled while attempting an aggressive shot.
💥 Wicket 3 - Rinku Singh: In the 15th over’s last ball, Krunal clean bowled Rinku Singh, delivering another crucial breakthrough.
📊 Krunal’s Bowling Figures: 4 overs | 29 runs | 3 wickets 🎯🔥
For his match-winning spell, Krunal was awarded the "Player of the Match". 🏆
RCB’s Batting Blitzkrieg 🏏
Chasing 175, RCB’s top-order fired on all cylinders:
🔥 Phil Salt (56 off 33) - A quickfire fifty to give RCB a strong start.
🔥 Virat Kohli (59 off 41)* - Finished unbeaten, guiding RCB to victory.
🔥 Rajat Patidar (34 off 19) - Led from the front in his first match as captain.
💪 Final Score: KKR - 174/8 (20 overs) | RCB - 177/3 (16.2 overs)
🟥 RCB won by 7 wickets with 22 balls to spare!
A Dream Start for RCB 🚀
RCB’s bold auction strategy to pick Krunal Pandya for ₹5.75 crore paid off instantly. With Kohli, Salt, and Patidar leading the chase, and Krunal dominating with the ball, RCB looks like a serious title contender this season.
💬 Can RCB finally lift their maiden IPL trophy? Drop your thoughts below! 🔥
