Sun Mar 23 10:00:00 UTC 2025: ## RCB Thrash KKR in IPL 2025 Opener
**Bengaluru, India** – Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) started their IPL 2025 campaign with a resounding victory over the defending champions, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), in a one-sided match played on Saturday. RCB captain Rajat Patidar won the toss and elected to bowl first, a decision that proved crucial.
KKR, despite a valiant effort, managed only 174/8 in their 20 overs. Virat Kohli led RCB’s charge with a stunning 59-run knock, partnering with Phil Salt (56 runs) to secure a comfortable 7-wicket victory in the 17th over. Kohli’s innings propelled him to the top of the Orange Cap race, with Salt and Ajinkya Rahane trailing closely behind with 56 runs each. Kohli also won the Orange Cap in IPL 2024.
Krishnappa Gowtham’s exceptional bowling performance, with 3 crucial wickets, earned him the Player of the Match award and placed him at the top of the Purple Cap race. RCB’s Josh Hazlewood is currently second in the Purple Cap standings with 2 wickets. Gowtham’s wickets were particularly important, breaking KKR’s momentum when they were on 109/2.
The victory marks a strong start for RCB in the tournament, while KKR will need to regroup quickly to recover from their opening loss.
First Piper 