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KKR Vs RCB In IPL Opener: Throwback To McCullum's Mayhem At Chinnaswamy

Jatin

KKR decimated RCB in IPL 2008 opener [Source: @OaktreeSport/x.com]KKR decimated RCB in IPL 2008 opener [Source: @OaktreeSport/x.com]

As the IPL 2025 schedule rolls out, cricket fans are hit with a wave of nostalgia. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) will face Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the season opener on March 22, reviving memories of their iconic clash from the very first match of IPL 2008.

What Happened When KKR Met RCB In IPL 2008 Opener?

That match was the start of a cricketing revolution that changed the face of the sport forever. The cricketing world witnessed fireworks, both literally and figuratively, with a performance that still lingers in the minds of every IPL fan.

Let’s travel back to that unforgettable night in April 2008, when KKR and RCB locked horns at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium and made history in the very first IPL match.

The match began with Royal Challengers Bengaluru winning the toss and putting Kolkata Knight Riders in to bat. What happened next was nothing short of carnage. Out walked Brendon McCullum, wearing the KKR jersey and from the very first over, it was clear that this was going to be his night.

Brendon McCullum absolutely tore apart the RCB bowling attack as he bludgeoned boundaries and sixes at will. It was batting of the highest order: aggressive, fearless, and innovative. Every ball that McCullum connected seemed destined for the boundary ropes or the stands.

By the time McCullum finished his innings, he had rewritten the record books. His 158* off 73 balls which included 10 fours and 13 sixes still remains one of the greatest T20 knocks of all time.

Thanks to McCullum’s blitzkreig, KKR posted a colossal total of 222/3 in 20 overs. The RCB bowlers had no answers to the onslaught as Praveen Kumar, Zaheer Khan, Ashley Noffke, Jacques Kallis, Sunil Joshi and Cameron White were taken to the cleaners as McCullum ran riot.



RCB Collapse Under Pressure

Chasing a mammoth total, Royal Challengers Bengaluru crumbled like a house of cards. Their batting lineup had stalwarts galore like like captain Rahul Dravid, Jacques Kallis, Mark Boucher and young Virat Kohli, all of whom struggled big time to cope with the pressure of the chase.

RCB lost wickets in a hurry and never looked in the game. KKR bowlers, led by Ajit Agarkar (3 wickets) and Ashok Dinda (2 wickets) kept things tight and didn’t let the RCB batters settle. Wickets kept tumbling, and RCB were eventually bundled out for 82 in 15.1 overs, handing KKR a massive 140-run victory.

What To Expect In IPL 2025 Opener?

Meanwhile, coming to present, March 22, 2025 will see KKR and RCB lock horns in the curtain-raiser. While much has changed since 2008, the rivalry remains alive and kicking. This time, it’s KKR entering as the defending champions while RCB will be eager to settle the score and spoil the party at Eden Gardens.