Virat Kohli once again showed why he’s still the heartbeat of Royal Challengers Bengaluru, delivering a commanding, unbeaten innings against Punjab Kings in the 37th match of IPL 2025 at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur. Chasing 158, the seasoned campaigner anchored the innings beautifully, guiding RCB to a much-needed win after their recent slump.
Opening the innings, Kohli remained composed even after losing Phil Salt early. He assessed the conditions smartly, rotated strike efficiently, and punished the loose deliveries, eventually finishing with a masterful 73* off 54 balls. His innings included seven crisp boundaries and a towering six, striking at over 135 — a classic Kohli template in a chase under pressure.
But Kohli’s fiery competitiveness was on full display during a heated moment with RCB captain Rajat Patidar. In the 16th over, Kohli nudged Arshdeep Singh’s delivery into the leg-side and immediately called for two.
WATCH – Virat Kohli and Devdutt Padikkal Steal 4 Runs as Nehal Wadhera’s Effort Falls Short
Rajat Patidar hesitated, almost causing a runout. A fumbled throw saved the RCB skipper, but it didn’t save him from Kohli’s wrath. The veteran was seen shouting, “It was a loud call!” — a moment that perfectly captured his passion and leadership on the field.
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Despite the brief hiccup, the chase was steady, thanks in no small part to the elegant Devdutt Padikkal, who played a fantastic supporting role. The stylish southpaw smashed a 35-ball 61, which featured five boundaries and four sixes. His fluent strokeplay at a blistering strike rate of 174 provided the perfect counterbalance to Kohli’s composed innings.
WATCH – Suyash Sharma’s Double Strike Dismantles PBKS: Inglis and Stoinis Bowled in Stunning Over
Together, Virat Kohli and Devdutt Padikkal stitched a match-winning partnership that broke the back of the Punjab Kings bowling attack. This dominant win not only helped RCB bounce back after their previous loss to the same opponent but also marked their fifth win of the season. With Kohli in this form and Padikkal gaining rhythm, RCB’s batting unit looks rejuvenated and ready to climb the points table.
