Royal Challengers Bengaluru Kick Off IPL 2025 with Thrilling Victory Led by Kohli and Salt

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Sat, 22 Mar 2025 22:47:21 IST
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Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) secured a thrilling start to their 2025 IPL campaign with an impressive victory against their opponents. The match witnessed an extraordinary display of batting, with Virat Kohli and Phil Salt setting the stage alight, along with some vital contributions from the middle order.


Dynamic Opening Partnership


The opening partnership between Virat Kohli and Phil Salt set the tone for a remarkable chase. Kohli came out with a strong intent and displayed his classic cover drives. Meanwhile, Salt was relentless in his attack, reaching his 7th IPL fifty off just 25 balls.

Phil Salt's Explosive Start


  • 2.1: Salt chipped over mid-on for a boundary.
  • 2.2: He executed a magnificent bottom-hand drive to clear cow corner for a six.
  • 3.3 to 3.5: Salt collected boundaries and a six, bringing the team's fifty up in no time.
  • 4.6: Closing the fourth over with a precise cut through backward point for another boundary.
  • 5.3: Salt’s quick movements saw him slashing short balls to the deep with ease, ensuring a rapid climb for RCB.

Virat Kohli's Masterclass


Virat Kohli's innings showcased his ability to mix aggression with control. His milestones throughout the innings were a significant confidence boost for the team.

  • 4.2 and 4.3: Kohli struck consecutive sixes over the bowler’s head, showcasing his dominance.
  • 5.5: Had a narrow escape when a leading edge almost got him out, yet he returned strong.
  • 12.5: Reaching his 56th IPL half-century, underscored his consistent performance.

Middle Order Keeps Calm


The middle-order had their share of excitement and pressure. Rajat Patidar and Liam Livingstone stepped in with the responsibility to close off the chase.

  • 14.2 to 14.5: Patidar scored boundaries with precise cuts, bringing the runs needed into a manageable margin.
  • 15.1: Kohli kept rotating the strike, ensuring no pressure build-up for the incoming batsmen.
  • 15.4 to 15.6: Livingstone then found his rhythm, striking boundaries where needed.
  • 16.1: Liam Livingstone smashed a six, reducing tensions and nearing the win.
  • 16.2: Ending the match with a four, securing the win and marking RCB's opening game with a statement.

Partnerships and Pivotal Moments


The partnerships were key in pacing the innings perfectly. Kohli and Salt's opening stand of 95 runs laid a solid foundation, while Patidar and Livingstone maintained the momentum.


Key Moments


  • 8.3: Phil Salt's departure, caught at short third man, put a brake on the scoring.
  • 11.4: Devdutt Padikkal tried to go for a big hit but was caught brilliantly by Ramandeep Singh, adding a twist to the run chase.
  • 15.3: Rajat Patidar's aggressive attempt to seal the match ended in him getting out, adding slight pressure.

The final overs highlighted a balance of aggressive batting with a calm demeanor from the batsmen, ensuring that RCB crossed the line with ease. The thrilling encounter not only underscored individual brilliance but also highlighted the collective team effort in a high-pressure chase. This win certainly provides a positive momentum for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in their IPL journey ahead.