IPL 2025: KKR Lose Momentum After Strong Start, RCB Eye Chaseable Target

In the IPL 2025 opener, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) looked poised for a big total, but a brilliant spell by debutant Krunal Pandya turned the tide in Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)‘s favor, as they restricted KKR to 174/8 in 20 overs at Eden Gardens.

After winning the toss and opting to bowl, RCB faced early pressure as KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane led the charge with a fluent 56 off 31 balls.

Sunil Narine

also played his aggressive role, smashing 44 off 26 balls, as KKR raced to 107/1 at the halfway mark.

However, the second half saw a dramatic collapse. Krunal Pandya, playing his first match for RCB, bowled a match-winning spell of 3/29 in 4 overs. His impact was immediate, breaking KKR’s momentum and triggering a collapse that saw the hosts lose seven wickets for just 67 runs in the last 10 overs.

A key moment came when Krunal bowled a fiery bouncer to Venkatesh Iyer, who wasn’t wearing a helmet. The very next ball, Iyer returned with a helmet, only to have his stumps shattered by Krunal’s sharp delivery—emphasizing his dominance on debut.

Angkrish Raghuvanshi

contributed a valuable 30-run cameo, but KKR ultimately fell short of setting a more imposing total.

With Eden Gardens known for high-scoring chases, RCB will be confident of chasing down the target, though KKR’s bowling attack will surely try to make it a tough contest.

Brief scores:

• Kolkata Knight Riders: 174/8 in 20 overs
  (Ajinkya Rahane 56, Sunil Narine 44, Angkrish Raghuvanshi 30; Krunal Pandya 3/29)