RCB's Virat Kohli and Krunal Pandya during IPL 2025 match against DC. (Sportzpics for IPL)Virat Kohli, Royal Challengers Bengaluru opener and former India skipper, continued his purple patch in the Indian Premier League as the 36-year-old hit his sixth half-century of IPL 2025 in RCB’s six-wicket win against Delhi Capitals at the Arjun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on Sunday.
Although Kohli played a slow innings and took 45 balls to reach the fifty milestone, scoring the slowest IPL 2025 half-century, it turned out to be crucial in Bengaluru’s chase. He opened up on his batting methodology, saying his focus remains on analysing the conditions and rotating the strike as he led RCB to yet another successful chase to lift his team to the top of the points table. “I try and make sure my singles and doubles don’t stop so that the game doesn’t get stagnant. People are forgetting the importance of partnerships and that’s coming to the fore in this tournament to try and dominate the bowlers through partnerships and professionalism,” said Kohli after the match.
Chasing 163, RCB were reduced to 26 for 3 before Kohli (51) and Krunal Pandya (73 not out) added 119 runs off 84 for the fourth wicket as RCB chased down the target in 18.3 overs. The Men in Red and Gold also extended their unbeaten run to six matches in away games and are yet to lose a single match away from home.
“It was a top win, especially looking at the surface. We saw a few games here and this wicket played out differently compared to those. Whenever there’s a chase on, I keep checking with the dugout, whether we’re on course,” said Kohli.
He also heaped praise on Krunal Pandya, who shone with both bat and ball. “Krunal was outstanding, he can make an impact and it was just about time. We’ve communicated beautifully, Krunal kept telling me to stay while he took his chances,” he said.
After Kohli’s dismissal, Tim David smashed 19 runs off just five balls to knock off the winning runs.
Talking about the finishers, Kohli said: “We have the extra power in Tim David, there’s Jitesh as well. That firepower at the back end of the innings definitely helps you. And now Romario as well.” Lauding the bowlers, the former RCB skipper said: “Hazlewood and Bhuvi are world-class bowlers, there’s a reason why Josh has the Purple Cap. Krunal was outstanding the way he varied his pace. Suyash has been the dark horse for us, even if he doesn’t have the wickets. Our spinners keep attacking in the middle overs.”
(With inputs from PTI)
Get latest updates on IPL 2025 from IPL Points Table to Teams, Schedule, Most Runs and Most Wickets along with live cricket score updates for all matches. Also get Sports news and more cricket updates.
3 min read
