Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) struggled against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), falling short with a total of 174. RCB’s explosive start by Virat Kohli and Phil Salt set the tone early, with Salt’s aggressive hitting dismantling KKR’s Varun Chakravarthy in a pivotal fourth over. By the halfway mark, RCB was well ahead, with Kohli undefeated at 59 off 36 balls. RCB’s chase was marked by high momentum and strategic plays, notably by new captain Rajat Patidar. RCB completed the chase in just 16.2 overs, showcasing a stark contrast in performance compared to KKR’s faltering innings.
A total of 174 runs was never going to suffice against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). Not at Eden Gardens, and certainly not with Virat Kohli and Phil Salt igniting the match with an explosive start that effectively sealed the fate of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) long before the game’s conclusion, as reported by ESPNcricinfo. By the end of the third over, RCB had already tallied 37 runs. Salt was at the forefront of the charge, but Kohli matched his intensity step for step.
Then came the pivotal moment that all but determined the outcome. After just three overs, KKR brought in Varun Chakravarthy earlier than expected, hoping to halt the escalating run rate. Kohli took a single from the first ball, but what happened next was sheer devastation. Salt unleashed a barrage on Chakravarthy, scoring 2, 4, 6, 4, and 4 in the next five deliveries, thoroughly dismantling KKR’s premier spinner with ruthless precision.
Former India cricketer Varun Aaron noted on ESPNcricinfo’s T20 TimeOut show, “This exemplifies walking the talk; the way Salt and Virat began, and how Virat finished, established a precedent: ‘This is the style of cricket we’re going to play; best of luck if you can outscore us.'”
“That over decisively turned the game; KKR’s confidence was shattered in that moment,” added former India batter Ambati Rayudu, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.
At the ten-over mark, RCB was at 104/1, with Salt already back in the pavilion. KKR, at the same juncture, had posted 107/2—not a significantly different tally, but beyond the figures, the momentum had dramatically shifted in RCB’s favor. With Kohli still at the crease, victory felt inevitable as they pursued the target.
“Kohli typically enjoys finishing games and staying unbeaten. However, this time he remained not out with intent, continuing his aggressive batting,” Rayudu remarked, as quoted from ESPNcricinfo.
“That indicates that if Kohli is prepared to play this way, the other eight batters will follow suit for RCB. That’s a wonderful sight: it demonstrates his leadership in batting,” he continued.
Kohli anchored the innings till the final over, remaining unbeaten with 59 runs off 36 balls, including four fours and three sixes, never easing off the pressure. He reached his half-century with a stylish four off Harshit Rana in the 13th over. With the target within reach, Rajat Patidar and Liam Livingstone joined the rampage, primarily dealing in sixes while Kohli observed from the opposite end.
“Everyone praises him for a reason: he consistently delivers runs when the team needs it most, particularly in chases,” remarked Aaron, as quoted from ESPNcricinfo.
“Many batsmen accumulate runs in first innings, but Kohli has a knack for securing crucial runs during chases. His contribution is invaluable to any team, including the Indian team and RCB, and his leadership in this role will be essential for RCB,” he concluded.
Patidar, appointed as RCB’s new captain, made an immediate impact in his leadership role. Coming in at 118 for 2 in the 12th over, he had tasks to complete but executed them effortlessly, smashing 34 runs off just 16 balls. His earlier tactical decisions in the game, particularly the reintroduction of Krunal Pandya, were crucial to RCB’s triumph.
“In his first game, he appeared a bit nervous, which is expected when captaining a team on such a grand stage,” commented Piyush Chawla, as quoted from ESPNcricinfo.
“However, as the tournament progresses, he will improve even further. The way he made [bowling] changes today showcased a creative thought process, he looked good,” he added.
By the time RCB wrapped up the chase in just 16.2 overs, the disparity between the two teams was glaring. During the same point in their innings, KKR had been 153/6 and managed only 21 more runs in the last 22 balls. They lost wickets in crucial middle overs and failed to capitalize during the death overs.
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