Magnificent fifties by star batter Virat Kohli and new signing Phil Salt guided Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) to a comfortable seven-wicket win over defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the opening match of the IPL 2025 on Saturday at the Eden Gardens.

Liam Livingstone sealed RCB’s dominant 7-wicket win with a six and a four as they chased 175 in 16.2 overs. Virat Kohli anchored with a fifty, while Phil Salt and Rajat Patidar’s quickfire knocks powered the victory.

Dark clouds have engulfed the city of Kolkata just hours ahead of the IPL 2025 opening match between Kolkata Knight Riders and Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Will rain continue to play the villain on what is expected to be a star-studded night at the City of Joy?