KKR started their innings with high hopes but were soon in trouble due to Josh Hazlewood’s disciplined bowling. Having missed the last IPL, Hazlewood was re-acquired by RCB in the auction, and he proved his worth immediately. His hard lengths, extra bounce, and good pace troubled KKR’s top order. Quinton de Kock was dropped early in the first over but was dismissed two balls later. Sunil Narine also struggled against Hazlewood, missing multiple deliveries as KKR found it difficult to score freely.
Rahane and Narine Rebuild the Innings
Ajinkya Rahane, KKR’s new captain, had to prove his worth as a batter, and he started aggressively. RCB helped him with poor bowling, sending straight deliveries that he easily dispatched over the leg side. His first 30 runs all came from shots on the leg side. Narine, after a slow start, found his rhythm and together with Rahane, launched an attacking phase. Between overs four to ten, they smashed 98 runs, putting KKR in a strong position.
One of the key moments came in the ninth over when Narine took on Suyash Sharma, a leg-spinner who usually troubles batters. Instead of playing him as a traditional leg-spinner, Narine attacked through the off-side, taking 22 runs in the over.
Krunal’s Spin Brings RCB Back
At 107 for 1 in 9.5 overs, KKR looked set for a big total. However, Rasikh Salam dismissed Narine, triggering a collapse. RCB then brought in Krunal Pandya, knowing that Rahane and Venkatesh Iyer struggle against spin. Krunal bowled smartly, using changes in pace to trouble the batters. He picked up three key wickets: Rahane, who was caught at deep midwicket, and Venkatesh and Rinku Singh, who were both bowled.
Andre Russell was the last big hope for KKR, but RCB countered him with leg-spin. Russell has struggled against wrong’uns in recent years, averaging just 13.41 and striking at 123.24 against them since 2018. He failed to pick one from Suyash Sharma and was bowled. KKR’s innings lost momentum, and young batter Angkrish Raghuvanshi couldn’t get going on a pitch where the ball was gripping. In the last four overs, Hazlewood and Yash Dayal bowled brilliantly, conceding only 23 runs. KKR finished at 174 for 8.
Salt and Kohli Make the Chase Look Easy
RCB’s chase started with a bang as Phil Salt, who was instrumental in KKR’s title win last year, punished his former team. On the very first ball, he smashed a four past mid-off, setting the tone. With Virat Kohli attacking from the start, RCB’s intent was clear.
KKR had to introduce their main spinner, Varun Chakravarthy, as early as the fourth over, but Salt took full advantage and hit him for 20 runs in the over. The dew also reduced the grip on the ball, making it harder for spinners. By the time Varun dismissed Salt for 56 off 31 balls, RCB had already raced to 95 in 8.3 overs. The required run rate was under seven, and Kohli ensured there were no hiccups.
Kohli’s Aggressive Finish and Patidar’s Support
One of the biggest positives for RCB was Kohli’s intent throughout the chase. Even when the match was in control, he continued to play attacking shots to boost the team’s net run rate. He slog-swept Varun for a six in his last over instead of just playing him out. New captain Rajat Patidar also played a crucial role, scoring 34 off 16 balls. RCB comfortably reached the target with 22 balls to spare, ending at 177 for 3.
This win will give RCB confidence as their new squad has started well. The contributions from their latest acquisitions, along with Kohli’s steady hand, made this victory a comprehensive one. KKR, on the other hand, will have to rethink their strategies, especially in bowling, as their spinners struggled under the dew.
RCB fans will be thrilled with this performance, and the team looks well-balanced as they aim for a strong IPL 2025 season.