Image Credits: JioHotstar
The IPL 2025 season opener between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at Eden Gardens began with high drama as RCB won the toss and elected to field first. The electrifying atmosphere saw early action as Quinton de Kock survived a dropped catch but fell just two balls later.
Suyash Sharma drops a sitter
In only the third delivery of the match, Josh Hazlewood banged in a short ball outside off, prompting Quinton de Kock to go for a pull shot. However, he could only manage a massive top-edge, sending the ball soaring high towards the leg side. With ample time to settle under the ball, KKR’s Suyash Sharma stood at mid-wicket, waiting for the catch to land perfectly in his hands. But, in a shocking moment, the young fielder fumbled and let the ball slip through his fingers. The drop stunned the packed Eden Gardens crowd, as the home fans let out a collective gasp.
Hazlewood has the last laugh
Despite the missed opportunity, Hazlewood didn’t have to wait long to get his man. Just two deliveries later, he pitched another delivery outside off, and this time, de Kock could not escape. The South African batter went for a shot but only managed to edge it straight to Jitesh Sharma behind the stumps, who made no mistake in completing the catch. De Kock departed for just 4 off 5 balls, including one boundary.
While the early drop could have proven costly for RCB, Hazlewood’s persistence ensured that de Kock’s stay at the crease was short-lived, putting KKR on the back foot in the very first over of the IPL 2025 season.
