'Had great time here last year, but no friends out there' - Phil Salt on guiding RCB to comfortable victory over KKR

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) kicked off their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 campaign in style with a clinical seven-wicket victory over reigning champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at Eden Gardens on Saturday. The win was mainly orchestrated by brilliant half-centuries from openers Phil Salt and Virat Kohli, as RCB comfortably chased down a target of 175 with 22 balls to spare.

After winning the toss, Bengaluru skipper Rajat Patidar opted to bowl first. KKR got off to a solid start, with captain Ajinkya Rahane (56) and Sunil Narine (44) guiding them to 107 runs in just 10 overs. However, RCB got their way back into the game thanks to a superb bowling effort, by Krunal Pandya (3/29) and Josh Hazlewood (2/22). The middle and lower order struggled to keep the scoreboard ticking, and the home team ended their innings at 174/8.

In reply, Kohli and Salt took on the KKR bowlers from the first over. Kohli hammered an unbeaten 59 off 36 balls, while the Englishman, facing his former franchise, played a quick knock of 56 off 31 deliveries. Salt, who played a crucial role in KKR’s title-winning campaign in 2024, was released ahead of the 2025 mega auction, allowing RCB to acquire his services for INR 11.50 crore. After the game, the 28-year-old spoke about playing against KKR and batting alongside Kohli, and constructing a crucial partnership.

"Probably the partnership (talking about the most pleasing thing with the bat), we (Kohli and I) haven't batted much together and to go out there and put a partnership was really pleasing. It is a ground I know and I know these guys (KKR) very well. Yes, it did (the ball came on nicely in the second innings) and you just needed to stand still and hit the ball, it does make a difference. That is what we spoke about as a batting group, very pleased with the outcome. Had a great time here last year and won the trophy. Obviously there are no friends out there (in this league)," Salt said at the post-match press conference. 

Phil Salt hammers 20 runs off Varun Chakravarthy's first over

The wicketkeeper-batter made his former team pay for that decision. He smashed Varun Chakravarthy for 20 runs in an over. By the time Chakravarthy dismissed him, the side had already reached a comfortable position at 95/1 in the ninth over. 

With Salt initiating the chase, Kohli ensured there were no further challenges in the latter half of the innings. He played risk-free cricket, keeping the scoreboard ticking. Patidar added a quick cameo of 34 off 16 balls, helping the team cross the finish line with ease. With this, the side started the season on a winning note adding those crucial points on the points table, and will now take on Chennai Super Kings at Chepauk on March 28.