Virat Kohli remained unbeaten on 69 runs as Royal Challengers Bengaluru, the defending champions, secured a convincing six-wicket victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL season opener. Prior to the match, a tribute was paid to the 11 fans who tragically lost their lives in a stampede last year, with 11 empty seats and a minute of silence observed, while the players donned black armbands at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru clinched their first IPL title in 18 attempts during the 2025 season, but the championship celebrations were marred by the unfortunate incident outside the stadium. The home team received a warm welcome from a large crowd, with Virat Kohli drawing the loudest cheers as he guided the team to successfully chase down 202 runs in just 15.4 overs.
Kohli’s explosive innings included five fours and five sixes off 38 deliveries. Sunrisers Hyderabad had set a target of 201-9 after opting to bat first, with stand-in captain Ishan Kishan leading the charge with 80 runs off 38 balls, featuring eight fours and five sixes. RCB’s new recruit from New Zealand, Jacob Duffy, impressed on his IPL debut by claiming figures of 3-22 in his four overs, dismantling the top-order with crucial wickets of Abhishek Sharma (7) and Travis Head (11).
Kishan built a solid partnership of 97 runs for the fourth wicket with South Africa’s Heinrich Klaasen, who contributed 31 runs to the total. England’s Phil Salt showcased brilliance in the field with a remarkable one-handed catch in the deep to dismiss Kishan off Abhinandan Singh.
Although Bengaluru lost Salt early in the chase, impact player Devdutt Padikkal stepped up with a quick 61 off 26 balls, forming a crucial 101-run partnership with Kohli. The skipper displayed his class with exceptional shots, including a massive straight six that cleared the sight screen.
Kohli, known for his prowess in the 50-over format post his retirement from Test and T20 internationals, proved his value as a key player for RCB. He concluded the match in style by smashing a six and three fours in consecutive deliveries, setting the tone for RCB’s title defense campaign.
