‘He can actually make or break…’: Not Virat Kohli, but this batter touted to change RCB’s fortunes in IPL 2025 best
IPL 2025, RCB Vs KKR Live Score: RCB Wins the Toss, Elects to Bowl First
A Grand Opening to the IPL 2025 Season
The much-awaited IPL 2025 season kicked off with a dazzling opening ceremony at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata, setting the perfect stage for another thrilling edition of the world’s biggest T20 league. ‘He can actually make or break…’: Not Virat Kohli, but this batter touted to change RCB’s fortunes in IPL 2025 best Cricket lovers and Bollywood fans were treated to a star-studded spectacle as the night featured breathtaking performances, electrifying music, and an atmosphere filled with excitement.
The biggest highlight of the night? None other than Bollywood’s King Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, dancing with cricket superstar Virat Kohli, sending the entire stadium into a frenzy.
Star-Studded Performances Light Up the Stage
The opening ceremony began with a spectacular light show, illuminating the Eden Gardens with mesmerizing colors. Soon, a lineup of top Bollywood stars, singers, and international performers took over the stage.
Shah Rukh Khan’s Electrifying Entry
Shah Rukh Khan, the co-owner of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), made a grand entry on a specially designed stage, accompanied by a stunning laser show. ‘He can actually make or break…’: Not Virat Kohli, but this batter touted to change RCB’s fortunes in IPL 2025 best The crowd erupted in joy as he delivered his signature “Korbo Lorbo Jeetbo Re” chant, setting the tone for an unforgettable evening.
Virat Kohli Joins SRK for an Iconic Dance
In a never-seen-before moment, SRK invited RCB’s Virat Kohli onto the stage. The duo grooved to Bollywood chartbusters, including ‘Jhoome Jo Pathaan’ and ‘Lungi Dance’, making it one of the most talked-about moments of the night. ‘He can actually make or break…’: Not Virat Kohli, but this batter touted to change RCB’s fortunes in IPL 2025 best The audience, both at the stadium and on social media, went wild as they witnessed two of India’s biggest icons sharing the stage.
Other Notable Performances
- Arijit Singh mesmerized fans with a soulful rendition of popular Bollywood and IPL theme songs.
- Punjabi sensation Karan Aujla got the crowd pumped with his energetic beats and Punjabi hits.
- International DJ Martin Garrix wrapped up the musical segment with an electrifying EDM set, turning the stadium into a dance floor.
RCB Wins the Toss and Opts to Bowl First
As the opening ceremony concluded, the focus shifted to the all-important season opener between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). The Eden Gardens crowd erupted as RCB captain Faf du Plessis won the toss and decided to put KKR in to bat first.
Captain’s Thoughts at the Toss:
Faf du Plessis (RCB Captain): “The pitch looks good, but with a little bit of early movement, we’d like to make the most of it. Chasing has been a good option here in recent years, so we are backing our batsmen to do the job.”
Shreyas Iyer (KKR Captain): “We would have bowled first as well, but we’re happy to put up a strong total. Our batting lineup is solid, and we believe we can set a competitive target.”
Pitch Report and Conditions
The pitch at Eden Gardens is known for its batting-friendly surface but offers early assistance to pacers under the lights. With a slight breeze and clear weather, conditions look perfect for an exciting contest.
Live Match Updates: KKR Batting First
1st Over:
- Mohammed Siraj starts the proceedings for RCB with a fiery first over.
- KKR openers Jason Roy and Venkatesh Iyer look cautious but manage to get off the mark.
Powerplay Overs (1-6):
- Jason Roy plays some aggressive strokes, hitting a couple of boundaries.
- RCB pacers Siraj and Reece Topley keep it tight, restricting easy runs.
- KKR: 42/1 after 6 overs, losing an early wicket.
Middle Overs (7-15):
- Andre Russell walks in early, looking to counterattack.
- RCB’s spin duo Karn Sharma and Maxwell try to control the middle overs.
- KKR: 98/3 after 15 overs, needing acceleration in the death overs.
For RCB, Rajat Patidar Might Be Just What the Doctor Ordered
As RCB prepares to chase down KKR’s target, one player to watch out for is Rajat Patidar. The talented middle-order batter has shown glimpses of brilliance in previous seasons, ‘He can actually make or break…’: Not Virat Kohli, but this batter touted to change RCB’s fortunes in IPL 2025 best and his ability to play spin well could be a key factor on the Eden Gardens pitch.
Why Rajat Patidar is Crucial for RCB:
- Explosive Middle-Order Presence: Patidar has proven his mettle in high-pressure situations, especially against spinners in the middle overs.
- Big-Match Player: His century in IPL 2022 eliminator against LSG is still fresh in fans’ minds, proving his ability to step up when needed.
- Strong Against Spin: With KKR’s spin-heavy attack featuring Varun Chakravarthy and Sunil Narine, Patidar’s technique against turn will be crucial.
If Patidar fires, RCB’s chase could become much easier, reducing pressure on Virat Kohli and Faf du Plessis at the top.
He Can Actually Make or Break RCB’s IPL 2025 Campaign
While Virat Kohli remains RCB’s biggest superstar, many cricket experts believe that Rajat Patidar could be the real game-changer for the franchise this season.
Expert Opinions on Patidar’s Impact:
- AB de Villiers (Former RCB Star): “Patidar has the talent to be RCB’s X-factor. If he can perform consistently, he can be the missing piece that takes them to the title.”
- Harbhajan Singh (Former India Spinner): “With teams targeting Kohli and Faf, Patidar’s role at No. 3 or 4 becomes absolutely crucial. He has the shots and temperament to control the game.”
- Michael Vaughan (Ex-England Captain): “RCB’s success will depend on how well their middle order holds up. Patidar could be the difference-maker in crunch games.”
If Rajat Patidar lives up to his potential, he could be the player who finally changes RCB’s fortunes and helps them lift their first-ever IPL trophy.
Fireworks, Fan Craze, and Social Media Buzz
The opening ceremony concluded with a spectacular fireworks show, lighting up the Kolkata skyline. Fans couldn’t contain their excitement, ‘He can actually make or break…’: Not Virat Kohli, but this batter touted to change RCB’s fortunes in IPL 2025 best as social media platforms exploded with clips and memes celebrating the grand start to IPL 2025.
Twitter/X Reactions:
- “SRK and Virat dancing together? This is history being made! 🏏🔥 #IPL2025”
- “Best opening ceremony ever! KKR has the best boss, SRK is pure magic. #KorboLorboJeetbo”
- “I came for cricket, but this opening ceremony is a full-fledged Bollywood show! #IPL2025”
Fan Moments at Eden Gardens:
- Spectators were seen waving banners with “SRK X Kohli = Ultimate Dream Duo”.
- Thousands of KKR and RCB fans joined in a synchronized wave, showcasing the incredible unity IPL brings.
- Fans even trended #SRKViratMagic on social media within minutes of the performance.
What’s Next: Can RCB Chase Down KKR’s Target?
With KKR batting first, the stage is set for an exciting second half where RCB will look to chase down the target. With the likes of Virat Kohli, ‘He can actually make or break…’: Not Virat Kohli, but this batter touted to change RCB’s fortunes in IPL 2025 best Faf du Plessis, and Glenn Maxwell in their lineup, RCB will back themselves to chase any total set by KKR.
Will Rajat Patidar step up and guide RCB to a comfortable victory, or ‘He can actually make or break…’: Not Virat Kohli, but this batter touted to change RCB’s fortunes in IPL 2025 best will KKR’s spinners create havoc? Stay tuned for live updates and in-depth analysis as IPL 2025 unfolds!
