Kolkata made a flying begin, reaching 107-1 inside 10 overs after South Africa’s Quinton de Kock fell for 4 within the first over, with Sunil Narine and captain Ajinkya Rahane including 103 for the second wicket.
However a canny spell of 3-29 from spinner Krunal Pandya clawed again management as RCB chipped away with common wickets via the center overs.
Pandya crucially had Rahane dismissed for 56, and bowled Shreyas Iyer for six and Rinku Singh for 12.
He was supported by Australia seamer Josh Hazlewood, who missed the latest Champions Trophy with damage however delivered a miserly spell of 2-22.
Rahane admitted post-match his aspect had been hoping to put up a rating in extra of 200 on such a very good batting pitch, which was exemplified by RCB making mild work of their chase and sending an early assertion of their pursuit of a long-awaited first IPL title.
They reached the Eliminator in 2024 however had been knocked out by Rajasthan Royals, whereas Kohli was the match’s main run-scorer with 741 runs in 15 innings.
