New Zealand talisman Kane Williamson expects Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) star Virat Kohli to leave a big mark in the 2025 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Kohli showed glimpses of his old form during the recently held ICC Champions Trophy 2025, where the veteran batter played a key role in India’s triumphant campaign.

Kohli will look to carry his scintillating form as RCB kick-off their IPL 2025 campaign against KKR at the Eden Gardens on Saturday (March 22).

“No doubt he’s going to have a big impact again as he has done in almost every season of this tournament. I know he’s extremely motivated with RCB to push for a title and I’m sure this season they’ll be there or thereabouts," Williamson told media during an interaction on Friday.

“It’s quite interesting as players kind of go into different stages of their career, different phases. He’s obviously been on the scene for a number of years but his style perhaps adjusts a little bit.

“But the hunger remains and the passion remains and we’ve seen that in his performances recently as well," he added.

Williamson also shared his thoughts on the BCCI’s decision to overturn the saliva ban, effective from the IPL 2025 season.

“Over my time in white ball cricket, it’s always been quite tough to shine the white ball. Whether it (saliva ban removal) has a large impact or not, I guess we’ll find out. I suppose any sort of help in shining might add some benefit.

“If it does swing then it really does bring the seam bowlers, the swing bowlers into the game a lot more. The fantastic pitches to bat on in general in the IPL, the boundaries are often on the smaller side.

“Having the ball swing a little bit more and if saliva can help that, I think will be great for the competition," said Williamson, who will be part of the commentary team in this year’s IPL.