India, March 22 -- Ajinkya Rahane led from the front as his blitz for the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the powerplay overs put Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on the backfoot in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 opener at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata. Rahane had to walk out to bat in the opening over of the game after Josh Hazlewood dismissed Quinton de Kock (4).

Rahane was slow to get off the blocks. However, he changed the game's complexion when Rasik Dar Salam was introduced in the attack in the fourth over. The right-hander made most of the loose bowling, smashing the pacer for 16 runs, bringing KKR's innings back on track.

Rahane's onslaught also enabled Sunil Narine at the other end, as he took a liking to left-arm spinner Kru...