Virat Kohli’s love-hurt affair with Eden Gardens in spotlight ahead of RCB vs KKR IPL 2025 opener

Virat Kohli, Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) batting talisman, will aim to reignite his storied connection with Kolkata’s Eden Gardens when he faces the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the IPL 2025 opener on March 22. 

Fresh off India’s ICC Champions Trophy 2025 triumph, Kohli enters the tournament in red-hot form, carrying the hopes of RCB’s quest for a maiden title.

Eden Gardens: A Mixed Bag for Kohli

Kohli’s IPL record at Eden Gardens reflects both grit and unfulfilled potential. In 13 IPL matches at the iconic venue, he has scored 371 runs at an average of 37.10 and a strike rate of 130.17, including one century and a fifty.

While these numbers are solid, they pale in comparison to his overall IPL dominance (8,004 runs, 8 centuries). However, his broader T20 record at Eden Gardens, 510 runs across 17 matches (IPL and T20Is) at 39.23, underscores his comfort at the venue.

Milestone Alert: Kohli vs KKR

The clash holds personal stakes for Kohli. With 962 runs in 34 IPL games against KKR (avg. 38.48, 1 century, 6 fifties), he needs just 38 more to become the first batter to score 1,000 runs against four different IPL franchises.

Further, his Eden Gardens performances against KKR are particularly notable: 346 runs in 12 matches (avg. 38.44), including a century.

Expert’s Take: 'Strike Rate Criticism Unfair'

Veteran spinner Piyush Chawla dismissed recent debates over Kohli’s strike rate, telling ANI: “His strike rate of 130-140 is more than enough. He’s the anchor RCB needs. Numbers don’t lie—he’s always delivered.”

Kohli silenced critics in IPL 2024, topping the run charts with 741 runs (avg. 61.75), though RCB fell short in the playoffs.

2025 Context: Form vs History

Kohli’s recent Champions Trophy 2025 heroics for India and his Eden Gardens pedigree make him RCB’s trump card. However, KKR’s spin-heavy attack featuring Sunil Narine and Varun Chakravarthy will test his resolve.

The match also pits Kohli against KKR’s new captain, Ajinkya Rahane, adding a tactical layer to their rivalry.

Why It Matters

For RCB, a strong start is critical to shed their 'underachievers' tag. For Kohli, dominating at Eden Gardens could set the tone for a record-breaking season. As the IPL’s all-time leading scorer, his duel with KKR’s bowlers isn’t just a match-up but a legacy-defining moment.