Kolkata, March 22 -- Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) left-arm spinner Krunal Pandya's exceptional bowling performance helped restrict defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to 174/8 in 20 overs during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 opener, played at Eden Gardens on Saturday.

RCB skipper Rajat Patidar won the toss and elected to bowl first in the match. Openers Quinton de Kock and Sunil Narine came out to bat for the Knight Riders.

The hosts didn't have a good start to the 18th edition, as they lost De Kock in the first over itself after scoring just four runs. The wicket was claimed by right-arm seamer Josh Hazelwood.

Following the southpaw's departure, the team skipper Ajinkya Rahane came out to bat in the middle alon...