Virat Kohli stole the show at Eden Gardens with a brilliant unbeaten knock of 59 runs, leading Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) to victory in the opening match of IPL 2025 against defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). The crowd went wild during the 13th over of RCB’s chase when a fan managed to break through security and ran onto the field to meet his hero, Virat Kohli.
As Kohli was getting ready to face the next ball, a fan suddenly ran onto the field toward him. Kohli looked annoyed and turned away in frustration. But he quickly calmed down, helped the fan to his feet, and hugged him before the security officials stepped in. The fan even touched Kohli’s feet as a sign of respect before the officials quickly escorted him away.
The on-field officials asked the fan to leave the pitch. Before leaving, the fan gave Virat Kohli a tight hug. When the security officials came to take the fan away, Kohli was seen telling them to be gentle and not to hurt the fan.
It might have been a home game for KKR, but loud ‘RCB RCB’ chants were heard during the opening match of the 18th season of the tournament. The Rajat Patidar-led side didn’t disappoint as the visitors chased down 175 with seven wickets in hand and balls to spare.
Wholesome Moment🥹❤️#ViratKohli | #KKRVRCB pic.twitter.com/mJiHTVgzaY
— 𝙒𝙧𝙤𝙜𝙣🥂 (@wrognxvirat) March 22, 2025
RCB Secure First Win Over KKR Since 2022 with Dominant Chase
Virat Kohli and Phil Salt gave RCB a strong start while chasing, scoring over 75 runs in the first six overs. In his first match for RCB, Phil Salt made 56 runs from 31 balls. Both Kohli and Salt batted aggressively.
Former RCB captain Kohli supported Salt well at the other end. In the fifth over, bowled by Spencer Johnson, Kohli showed his power hitting two straight sixes in a row. He scored 59 runs from 36 balls, which included 4 fours and 3 sixes.
Captain Rajat Patidar played a handy knock of 34 runs from just 16 balls, helping RCB secure a remarkable win over KKR. Krunal Pandya shined with the ball for RCB, picking up 3 wickets for 29 runs. This is RCB’s first win against KKR since the 2022 IPL season.
ALSO READ: IPL 2025 Points Table: Updated Team Ranking, Standings, and Net Run Rate After KKR vs RCB
