The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 started with a bang at the famous Eden Gardens in Kolkata. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) took on Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the season opener, and it was a match full of excitement! RCB won by seven wickets, but the real stars of the show were Phil Salt and Virat Kohli. These two batsmen teamed up for an amazing partnership that crushed KKR’s hopes and thrilled cricket fans everywhere. Let’s dive into this awesome game and see how Salt and Kohli became the talk of IPL 2025!
The Powerhouse Partnership: Salt and Kohli’s Performance
On March 22, 2025, the IPL 2025 season started with a thrilling match at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, between KKR and RCB. KKR, the defending champions, batted first and scored 174/8 in 20 overs, led by Ajinkya Rahane’s 56 and Sunil Narine’s 44. However, RCB’s bowlers, especially Krunal Pandya (3/29) and Josh Hazlewood (2/22), restricted them. In response, RCB chased the target in just 16.2 overs, finishing at 177/3, thanks to the explosive start by Salt and Kohli.
KKR’s Batting Performance
KKR’s innings started shakily with Quinton de Kock dismissed early for 4 runs by Josh Hazlewood, putting them on the back foot. The recovery came through a 103-run partnership for the second wicket between Rahane and Sunil Narine. Rahane scored a brisk 56 off 31 balls, hitting 6 fours and 4 sixes, while Narine contributed 44 off 26 balls with 5 fours and 3 sixes. At the halfway stage, KKR were 107/1, eyeing a total above 200. However, RCB’s bowling attack, led by Krunal Pandya’s 3/29 and Hazlewood’s 2/22, tightened the screws. Pandya’s left-arm spin dismantled the middle order, with key wickets of Narine, Andre Russell (4 runs), and others, restricting KKR to 174/8 in 20 overs. Other contributors included Angkrish Raghuvanshi (30) and Rinku Singh (12), but the late collapse was evident.
RCB’s Dominant Chase
Chasing 175, RCB needed a solid start, and Salt and Kohli delivered. Salt, known for his explosive batting, scored 56 off 31 balls, with 9 fours and 2 sixes, reaching his fifty in 25 balls. Kohli, in his 400th T20 match, played a supporting yet aggressive role, finishing not out on 59 off 36 balls, with 4 fours and 3 sixes, reaching his fifty in 30 balls. Their partnership amassed 95 runs in 8.3 overs, particularly during the powerplay (the first 6 overs where fielding restrictions allow only 2 fielders outside the 30-yard circle), scoring 80/0, as noted in X posts from fans like @cricxnews140982 and @YourNaman. This aggressive start set the tone, and despite losing Salt and later Rajat Patidar (34 off 16), RCB comfortably reached 177/3 in 16.2 overs, with Liam Livingstone finishing with 15* off 5 balls.
Unexpected Detail: Historical Context
This match was not just about the current season; it was a rematch of the inaugural IPL game from 2008, where KKR had won. RCB turning the tables added extra excitement, and Kohli’s milestone of 1000 runs against KKR, joining David Warner and Rohit Sharma, added to the historical significance.
This match’s historical context as a rematch of the 2008 opener added depth, with RCB reversing the result. Kohli’s milestone of 1000 runs against KKR, detailed in the live blog, was an unexpected highlight, reinforcing his legacy. For RCB, this win under new leadership and with a new squad signals potential, especially with the Salt-Kohli partnership. As the season progresses, their ability to maintain this form could be pivotal for RCB’s long-standing quest for the IPL title.
Detailed statistics from the match report highlight their contributions:
| Player | Score | Balls Faced | Fours | Sixes | Strike Rate |
| Virat Kohli | 59* | 36 | 4 | 3 | 163.89 |
| Phil Salt | 56 | 31 | 9 | 2 | 180.65 |
Post-Match Reactions and Analysis
Phil Salt and Virat Kohli’s 95-run partnership in 51 balls was the cornerstone of RCB’s victory, showcasing aggressive batting and strategic teamwork. Their performance not only secured a win but also energized fans, setting the stage for an exciting IPL 2025. As the tournament progresses, their collaboration will be one to watch, potentially rewriting RCB’s fortunes in the league.
