In a thrilling encounter at the iconic M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Virat Kohli once again proved why he’s considered one of the modern greats of cricket. The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) talisman smashed a breathtaking 70 off just 42 balls, propelling his team to a formidable 205/5 against Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the ongoing IPL 2025 season. RCB’s bowlers held their nerve to defend the total, securing an 11-run victory on Thursday and boosting the team to third spot on the points table with their sixth win of the campaign.
Now in his 18th IPL season—all with RCB—the 36-year-old Kohli continues to rewrite record books. With 392 runs at a staggering average of 65.33 and a strike rate of 144.11, he’s hot on the heels of the Orange Cap, sitting comfortably in second place. But beyond the stats, it’s Kohli’s relentless drive and adaptability that have left peers and fans spellbound.
RCB mentor and batting coach Dinesh Karthik was left searching for words to describe Kohli’s genius. In a heartfelt video shared by the franchise, Karthik said, ‘Virat Kohli, what do you even say about him? I’m at a loss for words purely because of the hunger he has. It’s one thing to play IPL for 18 years, but it’s an entirely different beast to remain consistent for 18 years.’ Karthik also revealed a glimpse of Kohli’s introspective side, recalling a conversation after RCB’s early home games this season. ‘He told me, “Probably could have thought a little better,”’ Karthik shared, highlighting how Kohli is aware of the massive crowds that turn up just to witness his mastery with the bat.
Karthik didn’t hold back in his admiration, humbly stating, ‘The way he adapts and understands situations… I’m too small a person to even speak about it. He’s an absolute champion.’ This tribute underscores Kohli’s towering presence in the game, not just as a run-machine but as a leader who inspires with every inning.
As RCB’s playoff hopes gather momentum with Kohli at the helm, the same can’t be said for Rajasthan Royals, whose campaign is faltering. With this defeat marking their seventh loss in nine matches, RR’s chances of making the top four are dwindling fast. Meanwhile, Kohli’s form and RCB’s resurgence signal a serious threat to other contenders in this fiercely competitive IPL season.
With matches like these, IPL 2025 continues to deliver edge-of-the-seat drama, and Virat Kohli remains the beating heart of RCB’s aspirations. Can he lead them to that elusive title this year? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain—Kohli’s hunger for excellence shows no signs of fading.