KKR vs RCB:- The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 witnessed another thrilling encounter as Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) dominated Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in a one-sided affair. In a high-voltage clash at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, RCB showcased an all-round performance, dismantling KKR with ease.
Sent into bat first, Kolkata Knight Riders, led by Ajinkya Rahane and Sunil Narine, posted a competitive total of 175. However, RCB’s aggressive batting, coupled with disciplined bowling, ensured that they cruised to victory comfortably. This match marked a statement win for RCB, reaffirming their position as serious contenders for the IPL 2025 title.
KKR’s Innings: A Moderate Total Despite Early Setbacks
Winning the toss, RCB skipper Faf du Plessis opted to field first, backing his bowlers to restrict KKR to a chaseable target. The decision proved effective as RCB’s bowlers struck early, dismissing key KKR batsmen before they could inflict damage.
1. Early Wickets Put KKR Under Pressure
KKR’s opening pair, Ajinkya Rahane and Sunil Narine, looked to provide an aggressive start, but RCB’s pacers had other plans.
✔ Mohammed Siraj got the early breakthrough, dismissing Rahane (12 off 10) with an excellent inswinger.
✔ Narine (18 off 14), known for his explosive starts, perished while attempting a big shot against Glenn Maxwell’s off-spin.
✔ Venkatesh Iyer (9 off 7) failed to capitalize, falling to a short delivery from Reece Topley.
With three wickets down inside the powerplay, KKR was struggling at 42/3 in six overs.
2. Middle-Order Revival by Shreyas Iyer and Rinku Singh
Captain Shreyas Iyer (45 off 34) took charge and played a counter-attacking innings alongside Rinku Singh (38 off 25). Their 67-run stand steadied the innings, helping KKR cross the 100-run mark in the 13th over.
✔ Iyer played classic cricketing shots, finding gaps and rotating the strike.
✔ Rinku Singh, famous for his finishing abilities, accelerated with well-timed boundaries and two sixes.
However, just when it looked like KKR would push towards a 190+ total, RCB bounced back.
3. Death Overs Collapse: KKR Falls Short of 200
✔ Shreyas Iyer fell to Cameron Green, mistiming a slower delivery to deep midwicket.
✔ Rinku Singh followed soon after, trying to clear the ropes but getting caught in the deep.
✔ Andre Russell (15 off 9) showed glimpses of power-hitting but fell to Lockie Ferguson’s well-directed bouncer.
The late strikes from RCB’s bowlers restricted KKR to 175/8 in 20 overs, a below-par total on a batting-friendly pitch.
Top Performers for KKR
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Shreyas Iyer – 45 (34)
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Rinku Singh – 38 (25)
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Andre Russell – 15 (9)
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Sunil Narine – 18 (14)
Best Bowlers for RCB
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Mohammed Siraj – 3/27 (4)
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Reece Topley – 2/30 (4)
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Cameron Green – 1/22 (3)
RCB’s Chase: A Ruthless Display of Power-Hitting
Chasing 176, RCB openers Virat Kohli and Faf du Plessis walked out with confidence. From the very first over, they asserted dominance over KKR’s bowlers.
1. Explosive Start by Kohli and Du Plessis
✔ Virat Kohli (67 off 42) played a magnificent innings, piercing gaps with ease.
✔ Faf du Plessis (49 off 28) countered KKR’s pacers with aggressive strokeplay.
The duo added 92 runs in just 8.3 overs, setting the platform for an easy chase.
✔ Kohli was at his fluent best, pulling and driving with elegance.
✔ Du Plessis launched an early attack, smashing three sixes and five boundaries.
By the time Varun Chakravarthy dismissed Du Plessis, RCB had already cruised to 100 in 10 overs, needing just 76 runs off 60 balls.
2. Maxwell and Green Finish in Style
With the required run rate well under control, Glenn Maxwell (35 off 18) and Cameron Green (21 off 10) ensured a smooth finish.
✔ Maxwell played trademark unorthodox shots, lofting spinners over long-on.
✔ Green used his power to clear the boundary comfortably, hitting two massive sixes.
RCB chased down the target in 16.4 overs, winning the match by 7 wickets.
Match Summary
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Kolkata Knight Riders – 175/8 (20 overs)
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Shreyas Iyer – 45 (34)
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Rinku Singh – 38 (25)
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Mohammed Siraj – 3/27
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Royal Challengers Bengaluru – 176/3 (16.4 overs)
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Virat Kohli – 67 (42)
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Faf du Plessis – 49 (28)
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Glenn Maxwell – 35 (18)
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RCB won by 7 wickets
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Key Takeaways from the Match
1. RCB’s Bowlers Make an Impact
✔ Mohammed Siraj’s fiery opening spell put KKR on the back foot.
✔ Reece Topley and Cameron Green’s variations restricted KKR from accelerating in the death overs.
2. RCB’s Batting Depth Proves Too Strong
✔ Kohli and du Plessis gave the perfect start, reducing pressure on the middle order.
✔ Maxwell and Green’s quick runs ensured an easy chase without last-over drama.
3. KKR’s Inconsistencies Continue
✔ KKR’s middle order fought hard, but their top-order failures hurt their chances.
✔ Andre Russell and Narine’s limited contributions left KKR with a below-par score.
Reactions and Post-Match Comments
Virat Kohli (RCB Vice-Captain)
“It was a complete team performance. The bowlers set the tone, and we ensured we finished things off quickly. Great win for us!”
Shreyas Iyer (KKR Captain)
“We were 15-20 runs short. Credit to RCB’s bowlers for keeping us in check. We need to regroup and come back stronger.”
Mohammed Siraj (Man of the Match)
“Happy to contribute to the team’s victory. My focus was on early breakthroughs, and it worked perfectly for us.”
Conclusion: RCB’s Dominance Continues
With this emphatic 7-wicket victory, RCB has further solidified its position in the IPL 2025 points table. Their clinical performance with both bat and ball showed why they are one of the most balanced teams in the tournament.
Meanwhile, KKR has a lot to reflect on, especially their batting approach and bowling execution. They will need to address these issues if they hope to stay in the playoff race.
As IPL 2025 progresses, RCB’s formidable lineup continues to send a strong message to their competitors: They are here to dominate! ALSO READ:-Clashes Erupt, Vehicles Torched During Holi Procession in Jharkhand’s Giridih 2025