Winning the first match as captain is always special, and Rajat Patidar was elated as Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) began their IPL 2025 campaign with a convincing seven-wicket victory over Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at Eden Gardens on Saturday.
Patidar, leading RCB for the first time, admitted feeling the pressure early in the day but was thrilled with how things unfolded.
There was pressure, of course, but it was a good day for me. Hope for more such days.
Pandya and Hazlewood Shine with the Ball
RCB’s bowlers delivered a stellar performance to restrict KKR to 174/8 in their 20 overs. Krunal Pandya (3-29) and Josh Hazlewood (2-22) played pivotal roles in pulling things back after KKR skipper Ajinkya Rahane (56) and Sunil Narine (44) gave their side a strong start.
At one stage, KKR looked set for a big total, storming past 100 for the loss of just one wicket. However, quick breakthroughs by Pandya and support from Suyash Sharma, Rasikh Salam, and Yash Dayal turned the tide in RCB’s favour. A late 22-ball 30 from Angkrish Raghuvanshi wasn’t enough to propel KKR past a modest target.
Kohli, Salt, and Patidar Seal the Chase
In response, RCB’s batting unit made light work of the target. Virat Kohli played a composed unbeaten knock of 59 off 36 balls, while fellow opener Phil Salt dazzled with a 31-ball 56. Skipper Patidar added an explosive 34 off just 16 deliveries to take RCB home in 16.2 overs with 22 balls to spare.
Patidar credited the bowlers for setting up the win.
All credit goes to Krunal and Suyash. They were 130 off, and the bowlers showed courage and determination.
He also backed Suyash Sharma's aggressive approach, highlighting the team's intent to go after Andre Russell’s wicket. "It was clear we wanted Russell's wicket. Him (Suyash) conceding runs didn't matter. He is our strike bowler, and we backed him," Patidar added.
Captaining a team with a senior figure like Kohli can be daunting, but Patidar found it an enriching experience. "Feels great to captain Kohli. He supports a lot. A great opportunity to learn from one of the best," he remarked.
Krunal Pandya: Finding the Edge as a Bowler
Player of the Match Krunal Pandya emphasised the importance of adaptability as a bowler in the T20 format.
I just wanted to narrow down my focus upon returning in the 11th over. Glad I was able to deliver. Right now, batters can hit sixes consistently, so you have to find ways to up your game. I wanted to bowl quick, and a change of pace was useful too. You have to use what you have in your arsenal.
Rahane Reflects on Missed Opportunities
KKR captain Rahane admitted that the quick fall of wickets in the middle overs cost them the game.
We were going well till the 13th over, but 2-3 quick wickets changed the momentum. We thought 210-220 was par when Venky (Venkatesh Iyer) and I were batting, but we lost wickets. There was dew, but they had a very good powerplay. We couldn't get early wickets. We don't want to think too much about this game, just want to improve as a unit..
Upcoming Fixtures: KKR will next face Rajasthan Royals in Guwahati on March 26, while RCB will take on Chennai Super Kings in a Southern Derby in Chennai on March 28.
Brief Scores: Kolkata Knight Riders 174/8 in 20 overs (Ajinkya Rahane 56, Sunil Narine 44; Krunal Pandya 3-29, Josh Hazlewood 2-22) lost to Royal Challengers Bengaluru 177/3 in 16.2 overs (Virat Kohli 59 not out, Phil Salt 56; Sunil Narine 1-27, Vaibhav Arora 1-42) by seven wickets.
