Virat Kohli Powers RCB to IPL 2025 Final: One Step Away from Glory
In a breathtaking display of grit and passion, Virat Kohli has once again proven why he is the heartbeat of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). Reporting from Mullanpur for TimesofIndia.com, the stage was set for an electrifying Qualifier 1 clash against Punjab Kings (PBKS), where RCB clinched an emphatic eight-wicket victory, securing their spot in the IPL 2025 final. With just one match to go, Kohli’s animated gesture on the field—signaling ‘just one more to go’—echoed the hopes of millions of RCB fans. Could 2025 finally be the year RCB lifts the elusive IPL trophy?
Kohli, the leading run-scorer for RCB this season with over 700 runs at a staggering average of 58.33, was a force of nature on the field. His intensity was palpable, reminiscent of his days as India’s fiery Test captain. Whether it was thumping the RCB badge on his chest, celebrating every wicket with unbridled joy, or charging in from the boundary to rally his troops, Kohli was at his cinematic best. His energy seemed to ignite the entire team, blurring the lines of leadership despite not holding the captaincy anymore. RCB’s pace spearhead Josh Hazlewood summed it up perfectly post-match: ‘Virat’s always up and about in the field. His energy is contagious.’
But it wasn’t just his leadership that stood out. Kohli’s tactical acumen was on full display as he guided the bowlers and fielders, often seen directing traffic with a fierce growl or a piercing stare. Despite officially stepping away from captaincy, his influence on the game was undeniable—constantly advising the likes of Yash Dayal and Bhuvneshwar Kumar, whose fiery spells dismantled PBKS’s batting lineup. Under the punishing sun, Kohli’s physical prowess at 36 years old remains astounding, defying the natural decline of reflexes with boundless stamina.
However, not everything went his way. On a wicket offering extra bounce, Kohli’s recurring vulnerability outside the off-stump was exposed as he edged a delivery on the sixth-stump line. This dismissal echoed past struggles, notably during his Test tours in Australia. Yet, as RCB heads to the grand finale on June 3 at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, there’s renewed hope. Known for its batter-friendly pitches, the venue could play to Kohli’s strengths. With over 100,000 spectators expected to roar in the stands, RCB will bank on their talisman for redemption and a shot at their maiden IPL title.
As we buckle up for what could be Kohli’s ‘last dance’ in the IPL, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Having chased this dream since the league’s inception in 2008, the question looms—will 2025 be the year Virat Kohli finally lifts the trophy that has eluded him for 17 seasons? For RCB fans, it’s not just a game; it’s a saga of passion, perseverance, and a burning desire to break the title drought. Stay tuned as history awaits in Ahmedabad.