KKR vs RCB, IPL 2025: What was the Turning Point of the Match as RCB outplay Knight Riders?

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Royal Challengers Bengaluru started off the IPL 2025 campaign with a magnificent victory over Kolkata Knight Riders on Saturday (March 22).

Virat Kohli, Krunal Pandya starred for RCB as they won the match by 7 wickets with 22 balls to spare.

After being invited to bat first, KKR posted a total of 174 runs for the loss of eight wickets in their allotted 20 overs. The innings was anchored by captain Ajinkya Rahane, who showcased his experience and skill with a rapid 25-ball fifty, providing a solid foundation for the team. He was well-supported by Sunil Narine, with the duo forming a century partnership. But Krunal Pandya and other RCB bowlers stifled the KKR batting and put a leash on them.

In the run chase, Virat Kohli and Phil Salt starred as they chased it down with 22 balls to spare, thus winning by 7 wickets. Phil Salt scored 56 runs while Kohli remained unbeaten on 59 runs.

KKR vs RCB, Turning Point of the Match: KKR's Middle Order Collapse

The turning point of the match was the abysmal collapse of the Kolkata Knight Riders in their batting. Despite being 107 for 1 after 10 overs, and then 143 for 4 after 14 overs, the Knight Riders could only score 174, which is a paltry 31 runs in their last six overs.

The likes of Rinku Singh (10 off 9), Andre Russell (4 off 3), Ramandeep Singh (6 off 9) - all had a dismal outing in the match. Venkatesh Iyer, KKR's mighty man also had a poor outing as he scored only six runs.

Krunal Pandya was the main architect for RCB as he got three wickets. Venkatesh Iyer and Rinku Singh both got castled and no answer to Krunal's bowling. Also in the final few overs, KKR failed to hit boundaries regularly and the likes of Ramandeep Singh, Andre Russell failed to make any impact.