Virat Kohli has 164 runs in 4 games for RCB in IPL 2025.
Virat Kohli, a Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) stalwart, has rediscovered his top form, emerging as the franchise's lynchpin in an impressive start to the 2025 season. Kohli has not only scored runs but has also effectively supported other batsmen on the squad, with the team's success being the main goal.
Virat has frequently been described as a batter whose 'ego' becomes a driving force. However, in an interview with Indian Premier League broadcasters, Kohli stated that 'ego' has never been a motivating factor in his cricket career.
So far, in the IPL 2025 matches, Kohli has frequently deferred to skipper Rajat Patidar to lead the charge with the ba, while occasionally playing a supporting role.
Virat Kohli used the ICC Champions Trophy as an example, saying he didn't mind handing Shreyas Iyer the driving seat.
"If you look at how things panned out even recently, in one of the Champions Trophy games, Shreyas (Iyer) took charge. It was never about ego. At that time, if I was in rhythm, in the flow of the game, I naturally took the initiative. If someone else was better placed to take the lead, they would do it. It was never about trying to overshadow anyone or suddenly feeling like I don't have the ability. It's always been about understanding the game situation, and that's something I've always taken pride in. I want to play according to what the situation demands,” Kohli told JioHotstar.
Kohli also spoke about his early years in the IPL where he shared dressing room with stalwarts like Rahul Dravid, Jacques Kallis and others in the Royal Challengers Bengaluru side. Doing so, Virat got the idea that his game isn't at the level it needs to be. But, he kept his head down and worked hard to make it big.
"In my first three years with Royal Challengers Bengaluru, I didn't get many opportunities to bat in the top order. I was usually sent in lower down. So, I wasn't really able to crack the IPL in a big way early on, apart from the occasional impactful knock. But the 2009 season felt a bit better for me. The pitches that year suited my game ball was coming onto the bat nicely, and I could play my shots more freely.
It was definitely an interesting phase in my career. From 2010 onwards, I started performing more consistently, and by 2011, I was regularly batting at number three. That's when my IPL journey really began to take shape,” he added.
Virat Kohli has 164 runs in 4 matches for RCB in IPL 2025, with 2 fifties at a strike rate of 143.85.