Former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar believes Virat Kohli is ready to remind everyone that the Arun Jaitley Stadium is truly his fortress. With Royal Challengers Bengaluru eyeing revenge against Delhi Capitals after their earlier defeat this IPL 2025 season, Bangar feels Kohli will stamp his authority at his “home ground.” Drawing parallels to KL Rahul’s gesture at Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bangar said Kohli might respond in his own style.
In their April 10 meeting, KL Rahul produced a match-winning 93* off 53 balls and signaled to the Bengaluru crowd that Chinnaswamy was still his territory. Now, with the reverse fixture in Delhi, the stage is set for Kohli to make a similar statement.
“I think Virat would do it a little differently. He’ll show that the pavilion you’re sitting in belongs to him. Who’s the boss? Virat is the boss there,” Sanjay Bangar said in conversation with Star Sports.
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Both Rahul and Kohli have been in scintillating touch this season. Rahul, with his added aggression, has amassed 323 runs in seven matches, often steering Delhi to crucial wins. Kohli, on the other hand, has been the heartbeat of RCB’s campaign, notching up five fifties in nine matches — impressively, four of them coming away from Chinnaswamy.
Sunday’s blockbuster clash holds even greater stakes. The winner will leap to the top of the points table with 14 points and strengthen their push for a playoff spot. For Kohli, a commanding knock at the Arun Jaitley Stadium would not only fuel RCB’s charge but would also be a personal reminder of his deep-rooted connection with the venue.
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Despite slower surfaces making stroke-making challenging this season, both Kohli and Rahul have adapted beautifully, leading their respective sides with maturity and flair. As Kohli returns to a familiar setting, fans — even the Delhi faithful — will be eager to witness another chapter in his remarkable IPL journey.
