Kolkata Knight Riders must learn from the errors they made in their opening Indian Premier League defeat to Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

That was the message from new KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane, whose side lost by seven wickets in the opening match of the 2025 season.

KKR won the IPL last year but were second best to a Virat Kohli-inspired RCB on Saturday.

Rahane top-scored for KKR with a quickfire 56, but knows his team must swiftly take lessons from the chastening loss.

He said: "We have to learn from our mistakes. We thought 210 to 220 was par when [Sunil Narine] and I were batting, but we lost wickets."

Indeed, KKR started the match brightly despite losing opener Quinton de Kock early on.

Rahane and last season's IPL MVP Narine put on a high-intent partnership of 103 runs before the latter was dismissed at the end of the 10th over.

That passage of play proved to be KKR's best of the match though, as Rahane was sent packing two balls later.

KKR failed to put up an imposing total and RCB batters Phil Salt (56 off 31), Kohli (59 not out off 36) and Rajat Patidar (34 off 16) made light work of the chase in the end, reaching their target of 175 with 22 balls to spare.

"They had a very good powerplay and we couldn't get early wickets. We don't want to think too much about this game, we just want to improve as a unit," Rahane said.

Tough start but we’ll bounce back pic.twitter.com/yD33bbFvd3

— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) March 22, 2025

Usually known for pushing the IPL envelope, KKR opted for a safer choice in appointing Rahane, who has previous captaincy experience at Rajasthan Royals, along with having previously led India in Test cricket.

Patidar, though, made his IPL captaincy debut for RCB and enjoyed a wonderful first day at the helm.

"There was pressure, of course, but it was a good day for me. I hope for more such days," he said.

When asked about having assumed RCB captaincy with former captain and franchise icon Kohli’s blessing, Patidar responded warmly.

He added: "It feels great to captain Kohli, he supports [me] a lot, it's a great opportunity to learn from one of the best."

RCB have a lay-off before they face Chennai Super Kings on Friday, while KKR will have a chance to get their season on track two days earlier as Rahane comes up against his old franchise Rajasthan.