Season-opener: KKR loss tinges rain relief, King Kohli victory
Times of India | 23 March 2025
123456 Kolkata: The City of Joy lived up to its name as the 18th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) kicked off in style at the iconic Eden Gardens. A star-studded opening ceremony, an electric crowd and a thrilling contest between Kolkata Knight Riders and Royal Challengers Bangalore — in which RCB defeated KKR by seven wickets — marked the perfect start to the cricketing extravaganza.
The excitement leading up to the match was almost dampened by early morning drizzle, threatening to wash out the much-anticipated season opener. However, the rain relented just in time, ensuring that neither the dazzling opening ceremony nor the match was disrupted. By the evening, as the skies cleared up, Eden Gardens transformed into a cauldron of noise and passion, with fans flooding into the stands, eager to witness their favourite stars in action.
Even before the first ball was bowled, the roar at Eden Gardens was audible from afar as Bollywood's biggest star and KKR co-owner, Shah Rukh Khan, stole the show during the opening ceremony. He was accompanied by a host of Bollywood celebrities, setting the perfect stage for the cricketing action to follow. "It was an awesome feeling watching King Khan charm the entire stadium," said Simran Chopra, who was at Eden Gardens to watch the IPL opener with her son.
While KKR fans dominated the stands, the presence of Virat Kohli ensured a sea of red RCB jerseys in the crowd. "I have always been an RCB and a Virat Kohli fan. Everyone fades before him. I want an RCB win just for him. With my group of friends, we are going to have a blast today," said Sujal Kanti Mondal, a student, just before the match. Even though it was a home match for KKR, many spectators were spotted in RCB jerseys, courtesy the Kohli craze. According to vendors, Kohli jerseys were sold in equal numbers as KKR's.
Dattatreya Pal, an MBBS student and an ardent Kohli fan, expressed his excitement: "I am a die-hard RCB supporter and a Virat Kohli fanboy, even if I am truly Kolkatan at heart. Rooting for him to score well today." However, KKR supporters were not to be outdone. Vijay Jaiswara, a dedicated fan, was optimistic about his team's chances: "I am a KKR fan and want a win. If we can get a good start to the tournament, we can retain the title."
Kohli even managed to divide the loyalties of the fans. Shanu Biswas found himself torn between allegiances: "I am kind of divided between RCB and KKR, but a Virat Kohli fan any day."