Once Virat Kohli walked back after a promising knock of 43 off 35 balls in the IPL 2025 final, all eyes turned to Jitesh Sharma to provide the late fireworks that Royal Challengers Bengaluru so desperately needed. Having had an impressive campaign with the bat this season, expectations were high as he stepped out in the crunch moment.
And while his stay at the crease was short-lived, it was certainly eventful. Jitesh smashed a quickfire 24 off just 10 deliveries, offering RCB some much-needed momentum in the death overs. One particular shot—a perfectly timed lap that flew all the way for six—stood out not just for its innovation, but for the priceless reaction it drew from none other than Virat Kohli.
WATCH – Stunned Anushka Sharma Watches as Virat Kohli Falls for 43 in IPL 2025 Final
Cameras captured the former RCB captain in the dugout, momentarily wide-eyed and in awe, unable to hide his amazement at the audacity and execution of the stroke. That clip, as expected, quickly went viral.
Unorthodox? ✅
Down the ground? ✅Jitesh Sharma is turning it on in the #Final! 💪
Updates ▶ https://t.co/U5zvVhcvdo#TATAIPL | #RCBvPBKS | #Final | #TheLastMile | @jiteshsharma_ pic.twitter.com/9JbC7ktpGX
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) June 3, 2025
Despite Jitesh Sharma’s late surge, RCB’s innings never really peaked the way they’d hoped. With 190/9 on the board, they might find themselves slightly under par, especially in a high-stakes final. Punjab Kings will back themselves in the chase, having already pulled off a successful 200+ run pursuit in the second qualifier.
WATCH – Virat Kohli’s Heated Moment With Umpire After Rajat Patidar Misses Wide
Kyle Jamieson proved to be Punjab’s trump card with the ball, picking up key wickets including Phil Salt, Rajat Patidar, and Liam Livingstone. His clinical spell pegged RCB back every time they looked to push on.
Now, it’s up to the RCB bowlers to deliver something special. With no IPL title in their cabinet and this being their fourth final, the pressure is massive. Early wickets in the powerplay will be vital, but they’ll need a near-perfect effort to stop a red-hot Punjab batting unit.
