Waiting for IPL fans and eagerly ended. The 18th season of the world's most famous T20 league started at the Eden Gardens Stadium in Kolkata. In the first match of IPL 2025, Kolkata Knight Riders descended to save their title, where he was in front of Royal Challengers Bangalore. But the first match of the season, a decision in Bengaluru shocked everyone. This decision was not to choose Bhuvneshwar Kumar, the most experienced bowler of the team and the most successful bowler of this league. But why did RCB do this?

Bhubaneswar did not appear in the first match

Royal Challengers Bangalore captain Rajat Patidar, who came out in their very first match of this season against Kolkata Knight Riders, won the toss and decided to bowl.

Everyone hoped that Bengaluru would start well with the bowlers of new balls like Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood. But as soon as RCB's playing XI came out, everyone was surprised.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar was not named among the first 11 players of RCB. Apart from this, he was nowhere in impact players. Obviously, anyone's head can roam by seeing this because Bengaluru had spent Rs 10.75 crore in the mega auction to buy Bhubaneswar.

Apart from such a high amount, Bhuvneshwar Kumar is one of the best bowlers in India, whose record in IPL has also been excellent. It was natural to be surprised in such a situation.

RCB explained the reason for this

But in a while, the reason for this decision also came to light. Royal Challengers Bangalore issued a statement and said that Bhubaneswar is actually injured. RCB said that Bhubaneswar was not available for this match due to a slight injury and hoped that he would return for the next match. Bhubaneswar has 181 wickets in 176 matches in IPL and he is the most successful bowler in the history of this tournament.

How was RCB performance?

Bangalore bowlers were beaten up in the beginning of Bhubaneswar's absence. Especially the young Pesar Rasikh Dar Salaam was killed in the powerplay, while Yash Dayal also spent 20 runs in his next over after putting a good over. However, from the other side, Hazlewood definitely introduced his experience and quality and bowled economically. Finally, Bengaluru stopped Kolkata for 174 runs, in which spinner Krunal Pandya played a big role.

How was RCB performance?

Bangalore bowlers were beaten up in the beginning of Bhubaneswar's absence. Especially the young Pesar Rasikh Dar Salaam was killed in the powerplay, while Yash Dayal also spent 20 runs in his next over after putting a good over. However, from the other side, Hazlewood definitely introduced his experience and quality and bowled economically. Finally, Bengaluru stopped Kolkata for 174 runs, in which spinner Krunal Pandya played a big role.