Virat Kohli Faces Backlash for Rajat Patidar’s Run-Out in DC vs RCB IPL 2025 Clash
In a dramatic turn of events during the Delhi Capitals (DC) vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) match in the IPL 2025 season, Virat Kohli found himself under fire from fans following an unfortunate run-out incident involving teammate Rajat Patidar. The clash, held at the iconic Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi, saw tensions run high as RCB struggled to chase down a modest target set by DC. This incident has sparked heated debates across social media, with Kohli bearing the brunt of criticism for a costly miscommunication on the field.
The fateful moment occurred in the fourth over of RCB’s innings while chasing a target of 163 runs. Kohli, positioned at the non-striker’s end, flicked a delivery from DC pacer Mukesh Kumar towards mid-wicket. Sensing an opportunity for a quick single, Patidar darted down the pitch, only to be sent back too late by a hesitant Kohli. DC’s fielder Karun Nair, showcasing razor-sharp reflexes, swooped in to collect the ball and delivered a pinpoint throw to the stumps. Despite Patidar’s desperate dive, he was caught inches short, dismissed for a mere 6 runs off 6 balls.
The run-out left RCB reeling at a precarious 26/3 after 4 overs, with Kohli himself on 8 off 10 balls. The early loss of wickets and this avoidable dismissal added immense pressure to an already faltering RCB batting lineup. Fans took to social media platforms like Twitter and Instagram almost instantly, flooding timelines with memes, angry tweets, and失望 reactions. Many labeled Kohli’s hesitation as a ‘schoolboy error’, with hashtags like #KohliRunOutBlunder trending within minutes of the incident.
Earlier in the match, RCB had shown promise with their bowling attack after winning the toss and opting to field first. Led by the experienced Josh Hazlewood, who bowled with impeccable control, RCB restricted DC to a below-par 162/8 in 20 overs. Spinners Suyash Sharma and Krunal Pandya played a pivotal role in strangling the DC batting during the middle overs, while Hazlewood and Yash Dayal were tested in the death overs. For DC, opener Abhishek Porel provided a blistering start with 28 off 11 balls, while KL Rahul anchored the innings with a composed 41 off 39 balls. However, it was Tristan Stubbs’ explosive 34 off 18 balls late in the innings that pushed DC past the 160-run mark, giving their bowlers something to defend.
As RCB’s chase unfolded, the spotlight remained firmly on Kohli. Known for his aggressive leadership and batting prowess, the former RCB captain has often been a polarizing figure, and this incident only fueled the ongoing narrative around his decision-making under pressure. Despite his illustrious career—boasting over 7,500 runs in IPL history and a record as one of the league’s most consistent performers—fans were unforgiving, with some even questioning his synergy with younger players like Patidar.
Looking ahead, RCB will need to regroup quickly if they are to salvage their campaign in IPL 2025. With tough fixtures on the horizon and a batting lineup heavily reliant on Kohli’s form, such lapses could prove detrimental. Will Kohli bounce back from this criticism and lead RCB to victory in the remaining overs, or will this run-out haunt the team’s morale? As the tournament heats up, one thing is certain: every run, every decision, and every moment on the field will be scrutinized under the IPL’s unrelenting spotlight.