Virat Kohli in IPL 2025.

Virat Kohli in IPL 2025 – A Glorious Chapter in Cricket’s Modern Legacy

Introduction: The King’s Never-ending Reign

As the IPL 2025 season unfolded, all eyes once again turned to the man who has become synonymous with passion, loyalty, and class — Virat Kohli. At the age of 36, with nearly two decades of cricket behind him, Kohli continues to captivate fans around the world, not just for his remarkable batting skills but for his unshakable intensity and unwavering love for the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB).

IPL 2025 wasn’t just another season for Kohli; it was a powerful statement — a reminder that legends don’t fade, they evolve. His hunger for runs, the electric presence on the field, and his never-say-die attitude made this season one of his most memorable yet.

The Build-Up: Kohli’s Preparation and Mindset

In the months leading up to IPL 2025, Kohli had taken a break from international cricket to focus on fitness, family, and refining his T20 game. He worked closely with the RCB coaching staff, especially Sanjay Bangar and batting consultant AB de Villiers, to improve his power-hitting against spinners and death bowling — a critique that had followed him in recent seasons.

Virat posted several training videos on Instagram showing his commitment to every aspect of preparation — be it gym routines, net sessions, or mental strengthening. His message was clear: he wasn’t here to just play, he was here to dominate.

IPL 2025: A New Beginning for RCB

This season, RCB came in with renewed hope. With Faf du Plessis stepping down as captain, there was much speculation about Kohli taking over again. However, the franchise decided to appoint young Rajat Patidar as captain, with Kohli mentoring him closely — a gesture that showcased his maturity and team-first approach.

RCB had a well-balanced squad this year with big names like Glenn Maxwell, Mohammed Siraj, Cameron Green, and Wanindu Hasaranga. The team’s combination of experience and youth, guided by Kohli’s presence, looked dangerous from the start.

Kohli’s Batting Brilliance – Vintage Yet Fresh

Virat Kohli began IPL 2025 with a classic 78* against Chennai Super Kings, chasing 180 on a tricky pitch. His timing, wrist work, and calculated aggression sent a strong message: King Kohli is back.

Throughout the league stages, Kohli was a rock at the top of the order. His ability to anchor innings while accelerating in the final overs made him one of the most consistent players this season. His major knocks included:

92 vs Mumbai Indians at Wankhede — a thrilling chase with 10 boundaries
104 vs Rajasthan Royals* — his 7th IPL century, played with pure class
67 off 38 vs KKR — rescuing RCB from a top-order collapse

By the end of the league stage, Kohli had scored over 720 runs in 14 matches, with an average above 60 and a strike rate nearing 150 — a testament to his evolution even at this stage of his career.

Leadership Without a Title

Though not the official captain, Kohli was clearly RCB’s heartbeat. His energy on the field, constant chats with bowlers, and motivation to teammates kept the spirit alive even during tough matches.

Many moments highlighted Kohli's leadership: him walking up to Rajat Patidar to calm him after a bad decision, guiding young spinner Mayank Dagar during pressure overs, and even applauding opponents when they played brilliant cricket — all of which made him a true ambassador of the game.

The Playoffs: Kohli's Fire Burns Bright

RCB qualified for the playoffs after finishing third on the points table, winning 9 out of 14 matches. The eliminator was against Lucknow Super Giants, and Kohli’s calm 56 guided the team home in a tricky chase.

In Qualifier 2, RCB clashed with Sunrisers Hyderabad, and it was Kohli's brilliance that stood tall once again. He scored 83 in just 48 balls, pushing RCB to a total of 192. However, SRH chased it down in the final over, knocking RCB out of the tournament.

Though RCB fell short of reaching the final again, Kohli’s efforts ensured that the journey was memorable and inspirational.

The Stats That Speak Volumes

Here’s a look at Virat Kohli’s IPL 2025 season performance:

Matches Played: 15
Runs Scored: 765
Centuries: 1
Fifties: 6
Average: 63.75
Strike Rate: 148.30
Fours/Sixes: 82/28
Man of the Match Awards: 4
Most Valuable Player Ranking: #2

He finished second on the Orange Cap list, just behind Jos Buttler, who had an equally phenomenal season for Rajasthan Royals.

Fan Reactions: Kohli's Legacy Grows Stronger

Social media exploded with tributes to Kohli. #KingKohli, #GOAT, and #RunMachineKohli trended after nearly every game. Fans across the globe hailed his form, attitude, and commitment.

Even former cricketers praised his efforts:

Sachin Tendulkar: “Watching Virat bat this season was like reliving a classical symphony. Beautiful and powerful.”
Brian Lara: “He plays with his heart. Kohli’s passion inspires every young cricketer in the world.”
Harsha Bhogle: “What separates Kohli is not just the runs — it's the way he lives every ball.”

Kohli’s merchandise sales saw a 40% increase, and his jersey remained the most sold among all IPL teams. In every stadium, chants of “Kohli! Kohli!” echoed, no matter who RCB was playing against.

Beyond the Numbers: Kohli the Mentor, the Father, the Inspiration

IPL 2025 also saw Kohli more relaxed off the field. Videos of him playing with his daughter Vamika, laughing with teammates, and helping net bowlers during practice won hearts online.

He was often seen interacting with young players like Yash Dayal, Suyash Prabhudessai, and Anuj Rawat, giving them advice on handling pressure and staying focused. Kohli’s presence was more than just a senior player — he was a mentor, a leader, and a guide.

His love for fitness also rubbed off on the younger players. He continued to be the fastest runner between wickets, showing why he's still the fittest cricketer in the world.

Kohli on Retirement: What Lies Ahead?

In one of the post-match interviews, when asked about retirement, Kohli smiled and said:

“I’m enjoying my cricket more than ever. As long as I can contribute and run hard between the wickets, I’m not going anywhere.”

He hinted that IPL 2026 might still see him in action, but also spoke about his desire to transition into mentorship and commentary in the future. He expressed interest in building cricket academies across India, especially in rural areas, to nurture raw talent.

Final Reflections: Why We Love Virat Kohli

Kohli's IPL 2025 journey was not just about runs or stats — it was about resilience, dedication, and love for the game. At a time when many players fade into the background after their 30s, Kohli has redefined what it means to age like fine wine in cricket.

Whether it was the straight drive that pierced through covers, the intensity in fielding, the animated celebrations after wickets, or the quiet moments of reflection — Virat Kohli reminded the world why he’s not just a cricketer but a phenomenon.

As the curtains fall on IPL 2025, one thing is clear: cricket is lucky to have Virat Kohli. And fans are lucky to witness his greatness, year after year.

https://www.youtube.com/@FutureofSpace-c5d