RCB’s Rajat Patidar Vows to Win IPL 2025 Final for Virat Kohli: ‘This One’s for Him’
As the IPL 2025 final looms large, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) captain Rajat Patidar spoke with a blend of steely resolve and heartfelt emotion on the eve of the grand showdown in Ahmedabad. Facing Punjab Kings in what promises to be an electrifying clash at the Narendra Modi Stadium, RCB are on the cusp of history, chasing their maiden IPL title in their fourth final appearance. With the weight of expectation and the roar of their passionate fanbase behind them, Patidar revealed a deeply personal motivation driving the team: winning the trophy for none other than Virat Kohli.
Patidar, who has emerged as a composed and tactical leader this season, addressed the media with a calm demeanor that belied the high stakes of the occasion. Providing a key team update, he spoke about the fitness concerns surrounding middle-order powerhouse Tim David. ‘The medical team is closely monitoring his condition. We’ll have clarity by this evening,’ Patidar stated, maintaining a tone of cautious optimism. David’s potential availability could be a game-changer for RCB, given his explosive batting prowess, which has turned matches in their favor multiple times this season with a strike rate of over 160.
The conversation soon shifted to the towering figure of Virat Kohli, a name synonymous with RCB since the league’s inception in 2008. Though no longer the captain, Kohli remains the heartbeat of the franchise, having scored a staggering 7,924 runs in IPL history, the most by any batter. ‘We will try and win this for him,’ Patidar declared with conviction. ‘He has done so much for India and RCB over the years. His passion and dedication inspire us every day.’ This emotional rallying cry underscores the deep respect the current squad holds for Kohli, who is yet to lift the elusive IPL trophy despite reaching the final thrice before—in 2009, 2011, and 2016.
RCB’s journey to the IPL 2025 final has been nothing short of remarkable. After a rollercoaster league phase, they peaked at the right time, storming through the playoffs with clinical performances. Their dominate display in Qualifier 1 against Punjab Kings stands out, where their fearsome bowling attack, led by the likes of Mohammed Siraj, skittled PBKS for a paltry 101 runs before chasing the target in under 12 overs. With Kohli in sublime form, amassing over 700 runs this season, and Patidar’s steady leadership complemented by a balanced squad, RCB look poised to rewrite their legacy. The team’s hunger is palpable—they aren’t just playing for a trophy; they’re playing for pride, for history, and for a city that has waited 17 years to see their heroes triumph.
As the final showdown approaches, the narrative extends beyond mere statistics or strategy. It’s about emotion, resilience, and the unyielding spirit of a franchise that has often come agonizingly close yet fallen short. For Patidar and his men, this is more than a match—it’s a mission to honor Virat Kohli’s legacy and to finally deliver the title that Bengaluru’s loyal fans have dreamed of for over a decade. Can RCB turn promise into glory on the grand stage? The cricketing world waits with bated breath.