Virat Kohli brought the energy and intensity as Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) faced off against Rajasthan Royals (RR) at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in IPL 2025. Leading from the front in the field after his stellar knock with the bat, Kohli’s presence was hard to miss as RCB defended a formidable total of 206 runs on a lively Bengaluru pitch.
RCB’s bowling attack rose to the occasion, with both pacers and spinners maintaining control and pressure on the Rajasthan batters. One of the standout performers was left-arm spinner Krunal Pandya, who made an immediate impact by removing RR captain Riyan Parag. Krunal maintained tight lines and nearly had another breakthrough when Dhruv Jurel was adjudged out by umpire Ulhas Gandhe.
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However, Jurel reviewed the decision instantly. Replays showed a clear inside edge, leading to a reversal of the call. In a light-hearted moment, the umpire mistakenly raised his finger again before correcting it with a double not-out signal, drawing laughs from players and fans alike.
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Earlier, it was Kohli who laid the foundation for RCB’s imposing total. Opening the innings, he looked at his fluent best, combining elegance with power. His 70 off 42 balls included eight boundaries and two maximums, and his aggressive approach set the tone early. Devdutt Padikkal continued the momentum, registering a composed half-century that kept the scoreboard ticking in the middle overs.
RCB’s late-innings boost came from Tim David and Jitesh Sharma, who added crucial runs in the final overs. David smashed 23 off 15, while Jitesh remained unbeaten on 20 off just 10 deliveries, ensuring RCB crossed the 200-run mark.
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For RR, Sandeep Sharma was the pick of the bowlers with two wickets, while Jofra Archer and Wanindu Hasaranga chipped in with one each. But it’s RCB who ended the first innings with their noses in front—thanks to Virat’s brilliance and a solid all-round effort.
