When an IPL Debut Turned into a Nightmare for RCB: KKR Star Crushed Them in Just 73 Balls

On March 22, 2025, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) will face off at Eden Gardens for their 35th encounter in IPL history. However, this match holds special significance as it marks only the second time these two teams will clash in the season opener. The last time KKR and RCB kicked off an IPL season was in 2008, when a single KKR batter single-handedly dominated the entire RCB team.

We’re talking about Brendon McCullum, who played one of the most explosive innings in IPL history, dismantling RCB at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. His sensational knock not only led KKR to victory but also set the tone for what IPL would become—cricket’s biggest T20 spectacle.

Brendon McCullum’s Record-Breaking 158 Off 73 Balls*

On April 18, 2008, KKR batted first and posted a mammoth 222/3 in 20 overs. The highlight of the innings was Brendon McCullum’s unbeaten 158 off just 73 balls. He scored more than half of KKR’s total single-handedly, staying at the crease from the first ball to the last.

Batting at a strike rate of 216, McCullum’s explosive innings featured 13 sixes and 10 fours, setting an IPL record that stood for years. His incredible batting display left RCB shell-shocked and struggling to recover.

RCB’s Batting Collapse: All Out for 82 Runs

Chasing a target of 223 in their IPL debut, RCB’s batting lineup crumbled under pressure. Despite having stars like Virat Kohli, Jacques Kallis, Cameron White, and Mark Boucher, they failed to put up a fight and were bowled out for just 82 runs in 15.1 overs.

• Virat Kohli, playing his first IPL match, managed only 1 run at a strike rate of 20.

• None of RCB’s top 8 batters crossed double digits.

• The highest scorer was Praveen Kumar (18 runs), who batted at No. 9.

KKR’s 140-run victory remains one of the biggest wins in IPL history and set the stage for RCB’s disappointing debut season, where they finished 7th out of 8 teams after losing 10 out of 14 matches.

RCB vs KKR in IPL 2025: Will History Repeat Itself?

Seventeen years later, KKR and RCB are once again set to meet in the opening match of an IPL season. However, this time the battle will be at KKR’s home ground, Eden Gardens. Will RCB be able to turn the tide and change history? Or will KKR dominate once again, just like in 2008?

Cricket fans won’t have to wait long to find out as the IPL 2025 opener promises to be a thrilling contest between these two rivals. Stay tuned for another exciting chapter in this legendary rivalry!