Royal Challengers Bengaluru captain Rajat Patidar gave credit to the bowlers after a seven-wicket win against Kolkata Knight Riders in the opening game of the Indian Premier League 2025 at the Eden Gardens on Saturday.

It seemed like KKR were all set to post a total in excess of 200 after they scored 107 runs in the first 10 overs, losing only two wickets. But the RCB bowlers were able to bounce back in style, taking three wickets in quick succession.

Rasikh Salam got the big wicket of Sunil Narine and from there on, RCB was able to get back into the contest. Krunal Pandya kept attacking the stumps and reaped the rewards for keeping a tight line as he bowled Ventakesh Iyer and Rinku Singh after Rahane was caught in the deep.

Pandya bowled a fine spell of 3-29 to turn the match in RCB’s favour whereas Patidar backed Suyash Sharma despite the leg-spinner going for 13 runs in the previous over. Sharma accounted for Andre Russell with the wrong one and RCB was able to restrict KKR to 174. The home team could only manage 23 runs in the last four overs and thus could not finish on a high despite a good start.

Rajat Patidar said in the post-match presentation, “There was pressure, but it was a good day for me. If we keep winning like this, it will be a good day. It was pretty clear for me – I don’t mind Suyash giving runs, he was our main wicket-taking bowler, so I backed him.”

Praising Krunal and Suyash, Patidar said, “All credit goes to both the bowlers, from 13 overs, they showed courage and determination. The mindset of taking wickets was really amazing. (on Kohli) It’s really great when you have a player like him, it’s a great opportunity for me to learn from one of the great players of the game.”

Royal Challengers Bengaluru will next take on Chennai Super Kings at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai on Friday.