AB de Villiers, the former South Africa skipper and RCB legend, couldn’t help but praise Virat Kohli’s mindset and body language ahead of Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s clash with Punjab Kings in the IPL 2025 Qualifier 1. According to de Villiers, Kohli’s focused demeanour right from the moment he stepped off the team bus was a clear indication that he meant business—even if the scoreboard didn’t reflect it this time.
While Kohli only managed a brief stay at the crease, falling to Kyle Jamieson in the fourth over after striking two crisp boundaries, Bengaluru still crushed Punjab by eight wickets in Mullanpur to seal a spot in the IPL 2025 final.
Despite not playing a major role with the bat in this game, AB de Villiers believes Kohli’s influence remains undiminished and is convinced he’s primed for a big impact in the summit clash on June 3 in Ahmedabad.
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“You could see it right away. The focus, the intensity—it was written all over his face when he stepped off that bus. That’s the Virat Kohli we’ve known over the years,” AB de Villiers said while speaking on JioHotstar. “He didn’t get runs this time, but what stood out was how involved he remained till the very end—cheering, celebrating. That’s the ultimate team man.”
The legendary batter further added, “The job isn’t done yet. But I’m excited to see him in the final. I’ve got no doubt he’ll rise to the occasion.”
RCB, part of the IPL since its inception in 2008, are still chasing their maiden title despite making it to the final three times before. De Villiers recalled their strong 2011 campaign and the heartbreak of 2016, but chose to focus on the present.
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“Forget the past. The trophy is just one game away now. They’re closer than ever,” he said. RCB will face the winner of Qualifier 2—between Punjab, Gujarat Titans, or Mumbai Indians—in the grand finale.
