PHOTOS: SRK, Parineeti watch at Eden as KKR are thrashed by RCB

IMAGE: Kolkata Knight Riders co-owner Shah Rukh Khan, left, and Royal Challengers Bangalore captain Virat Kohli chat after Monday's IPL match at the Eden Gardens. Photograph: BCCI

Even Bollywood superstar and co-owner Shah Rukh Khan's presence could not inspire Kolkata Knight Riders. The two-time champions were outclassed by Royal Challengers Bangalore by nine wickets in Monday's Indian Premier League match, at the Eden Gardens, in Kolkata.

IMAGE: Kolkata Knight Riders co-owner Shah Rukh Khan with his son AbRam. Photograph: BCCI

Also spotted in the stands was starlet Parineeti Chopra, who is in Kolkata to shoot for her movie 'Meri Pyaari Bindu'.

IMAGE: Parineeti Chopra in the stands. Photograph: BCCI

IPL anchor Pallavi Sharda certainly enjoyed the cool breeze on a hot evening at the Eden Gardens.

IMAGE: IPL anchor Pallavi Sharda. Photograph: BCCI

The day belonged to India's batting sensation Virat Kohli, though.

He teamed up with South African run-machine AB de Villiers to script another memorable victory, which kept RCB's play-off hopes alive.

IMAGE: Virat Kohli celebrates after completing his half-century. Photograph: BCCI

RCB's batting might again came to the fore.

Chasing a challenging 184 for victory on a turning Eden Gardens track, Chris Gayle returned to form and set up the chase with a 31-ball 49 before skipper Kohli and De Villiers posted half-centuries each in a 115-run unbroken second wicket partnership off just 68 balls as RCB won with eight balls to spare.

It was the fifth hundred-plus run stand between Kohli and de Villiers in this year's IPL.

The duo carried on from where they left against Gujarat Lions in their last match.

Continuing his sensational batting form this season, Kohli posted an unbeaten 75 off 51 balls while de Villiers was unbeaten on 59 off 31 balls.

IMAGE: Kolkata Knight Riders captain Gautam Gambhir reacts after dropping a catch. Photograph: BCCI

Kohli also benefited from a lifeline offered by his opposite number, Gautam Gambhir when he was on 32, off left-arm spinner Shakib Al Hasan.

The RCB skipper made sure that KKR were made to pay dearly for the lapse.

Even an injury to his left hand, sustained while fielding in the deep, could not stop Kohli.

IMAGE: Virat Kohli check out the injury on his left hand. Photograph: BCCI

Kohli split the webbing in his left hand while fielding as he went for a diving catch. He left the field briefly for medical assistance, got the webbing taped and returned.

He then played another classy knock.

"I might need 7-8 stitches," Kohli said after the match.

Royal Challengers Bangalore, who need to win both their remaining matches, next play Kings XI Punjab in Bengaluru on Wednesday.

Coverage: IPL 9

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