Former India pacer Varun Aaron believes Virat Kohli might look to spark an on-field confrontation to fire himself up when Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) face Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the much-anticipated IPL 2025 final. Speaking ahead of the grand showdown, Aaron suggested that Kohli’s intensity and competitive edge often manifest through on-field rivalries—something that could once again play a pivotal role in the final at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium on June 3.
Varun Aaron, sharing his thoughts on JioHotstar, said, “There’s a lot of symbolism this season for RCB. They broke their Chepauk jinx, played some of their best cricket, and the momentum is real. One factor that stands out is Josh Hazlewood. He’s been RCB’s lucky charm—more than that, he’s a proven performer in finals and has never lost one in his career. He brings calm, experience, and consistency to this high-pressure setup.”
Switching focus to Kohli, Aaron emphasised how the former RCB skipper thrives in high-voltage encounters. Known for his animated celebrations and charged-up body language, Kohli often finds motivation by picking a battle on the field. During the league stage, he had a heated moment with PBKS captain Shreyas Iyer—a sign that more fireworks might follow.
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“When it comes to Kohli and finals, he locks in by creating a contest within the game. He’s going to choose a bowler, go after him, and engage in some mind games. That’s how he builds his focus. He channels his energy into that battle, and that helps him stay fully immersed in the game. That intensity is what makes him thrive on the big stage,” Varun Aaron noted.
Sharing the panel with Aaron, legendary Australian opener Matthew Hayden reflected on the mental aspect of playing in a high-stakes final. Hayden recalled how even the most seasoned campaigners struggle to sleep the night before a big match, highlighting the psychological grind that elite players must overcome.
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“What you’ve got to do is dial in and find your calm amid all the chaos. Over a hundred thousand people will be roaring tomorrow—it’s an electric atmosphere. And the truth is, no matter how experienced you are, the nerves never fully go away. Great players don’t eliminate the noise, but they learn how to manage it. They prepare mentally for every twist and turn and find clarity in pressure,” Matthew Hayden said.
As RCB prepare for their date with destiny, the team, powered by Kohli’s passion and Hazlewood’s poise, will aim to finally end their long wait for an IPL title.
