Virat Kohli scored an impressive 69 not out as Royal Challengers Bengaluru, the reigning champions, convincingly defeated Sunrisers Hyderabad by six wickets in the IPL season opener on Saturday. Prior to the game, a tribute was paid to the 11 fans who tragically lost their lives in a stampede last year by leaving 11 empty seats and observing a minute’s silence. Additionally, the players wore 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 celebratory parade took a tragic turn outside the stadium. The home team was welcomed by a large crowd, with Virat Kohli receiving the loudest cheers. Kohli played a crucial role in guiding the team to successfully chase down 202 runs in just 15.4 overs, smashing five fours and five sixes in his 38-ball innings.
Sunrisers Hyderabad set a target of 201-9 after being put in to bat first, with stand-in captain Ishan Kishan leading the charge with an impressive 80 off 38 balls, including eight fours and five sixes. Jacob Duffy, making his IPL debut for RCB from New Zealand, made an immediate impact with figures of 3-22 from his four overs, disrupting the opponent’s top order by dismissing key batsmen like Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head.
Kishan anchored the innings with a crucial fourth-wicket partnership of 97 runs alongside South Africa’s Heinrich Klaasen, who contributed 31 runs. England’s Phil Salt took a remarkable one-handed catch in the deep to dismiss Kishan off Abhinandan Singh after covering significant ground. Despite losing Salt early in the chase, impact player Devdutt Padikkal played a blistering 61 off 26 balls, forming a crucial 101-run partnership with Kohli.
Kohli showcased his class with some exceptional shots, including a massive straight six that hit the sight screen. Known for his prowess in the 50-over format for India after retiring from Test and T20 internationals, Kohli proved his worth as a key player for RCB. He sealed the victory with a six and three fours in successive balls, setting the tone for RCB’s title defense in impressive fashion.