New Delhi, March 23 -- Magnificent fifties by star batter Virat Kohli and new signing Phil Salt guided Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) to a comfortable seven-wicket win over defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the opening match of the IPL 2025 on Saturday at the Eden Gardens.

On a pitch that has favoured teams chasing, Rajat Patidar won the toss and sent the home side to bat first. Skipper Ajinkya Rahane made a wonderful 56 and shared a 103-run stand for the second wicket with Sunil Narine (44, 26b) as at one stage KKR looked to break the 200-run margin with ease.

RCB bowlers led by left-arm spinner Krunal Pandya (3/29) staged a splendid comeback. In reply, Virat Kohli (59 not out, 36 balls) and Phil Salt (56, 31 balls)...