Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) had its IPL 2025 campaign with a strong start with a convincing victory over Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in Eden Gardens. This was not only a victory on paper, but an performance that showed signs of a more balanced and well prepared side. RCB marked multiple boxes in all departments, from the control of the rhythm and the discipline of rotation to the first order aggression and the changes of strong bowling that worked well.
The general approach of the team seemed measured and flexible, which could make a big difference in the course of the season. Especially after years of inconsistency, this victory offers RCB fans early of optimism.
A good plan that could work in Chinnaswamy
RCB could finally be building a team that can constantly win at home, which has often been the heel of his Achilles. The key lies in the presence of defensive mentality bowling players that can handle flat releases:
Josh Hazlewood, Krunal Pandya and Bhuvnehwar Kumar (who lost the KKR game) are able to control the execution rate. Rasikh Salam, who played with discipline and used his slower balls well, adds variety. Even without Bhuvnehwar, this bowling unit remained well on a good batting in Kolkata.
On the batting side, RCB made 80/0 in the power game, its second highest PowerPlay score in the history of IPL. Phil Salt’s trio, Liam Livingstone and Tim David gives them the type of flat track batting power necessary at the Chinnaswamy stadium. Combined with the stability that Kohli and Rajat Patidar virat brings and the additional style of JITESH Sharma and Duo without limit of Swastik Chikara and Basj Bandage, RCB has a blow.
KRUNAL PANDYA A GREAT ADVANTAGE FOR RCB
RCB has found a reliable left -arm defensive spinner in Krunal Pandya. In a friendly launch with the batting, Krunal ended with figures of 4-0-29-3, eliminating the KKR key batters: Ajinkya Rahane, Rinku Singh and Venkatesh Iyer.
Two of the three wickts were bowling, showing their control over rhythm and precision. Its use of slower deliveries and a surprise goalkeeper were key characteristics in his spell. Krunal’s ability to contain races and take wickts in the Overs environment makes it a vital part of RCB plans. In particular, it has never gone to more than 8 races for any IPL season, a rare statistic for a spinner in this format.
Big Three Virat Kohli, Josh Hazlewood and Phil Salt deliver in the game one
RCB older players took a step forward immediately. Virat Kohli had its faster start in a T20, scoring 25 races in its first 10 balls, eventually winning 50 of 30 balls. He also achieved Varun Chakravarthy for four in the seventh over, a shot he reintrated successfully during his winning season of the orange cap in 2024.
If Kohli can address the turn effectively, even if he doesn’t kill him, RCB is well located to do it very well this year. Meanwhile, his opening partner Phil Salt marked the early tone with a fifty ball, giving RCB a flight start in the power game.
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Rajat Patidar, capitaneando for the first time, played a crucial cameo: 34 of 16 balls, attacking turn in the half overs and lifting the net RCB execution rate.
Josh Hazlewood was brilliant with the new ball and death, giving very little. It helped restrict KKR to a total that RCB could persecute comfortably. Hazlewood’s ability to cross the phases and be intelligent with its length changes could be crucial in the rest of the season.
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RCB’s victory over KKR was more than a two -point result: it was a statement of intention. His batting shot at the top, his spinnings delivered control and rhythm attack kept the things tight when he mattered. What stood out was how well defined the role of each player was seen, from Kohli’s aggressive intention to Krunal control in the media.
They demonstrated that they can adapt to the conditions, mix bowling options and maintain high punctuation pressure throughout the persecution. If you can bring this clarity and composure to the games at home in Chinnaswamy and stay consistent, this could be the season in which RCB is up to expectations.
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