In the IPL 2025 Qualifier 1 match on Thursday, Virat Kohli, the star batter of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), took extra responsibility and helped his team a lot. He showed strong leadership on the field by talking to bowlers and fielders and helping captain Rajat Patidar decide where to place fielders.
Read More: Virat Kohli Just Did What No Other IPL Batter Ever Could… Here’s What You Missed
One key moment went viral on social media. Kohli signaled to bowler Yash Dayal where to bowl against Punjab Kings opener Priyansh Arya. Kohli wanted Dayal to tempt Arya to play a drive shot, and Arya ended up hitting the ball straight to fielder Krunal Pandya, which led to his dismissal. Commentators also praised Kohli for his smart field placements.
RCB won the match easily and reached the IPL final for the first time since 2016. They beat Punjab Kings by eight wickets. Punjab Kings tried to play aggressively but lost early wickets and were all out for 101 runs in just 14.1 overs.
‘Captain Kohli Energy’. Enough Said! 😮💨❤️
That trademark intensity is doing the talking as Leader @imVkohli takes charge & #PBKS are feeling the heat! 🔥
LIVE NOW ➡ https://t.co/B4bnHnppgJ #IPLPlayoffs | #Qualifier1 👉 #PBKSvRCB on Star Sports Network & JioHotstar!… pic.twitter.com/Orq55pcxKx
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) May 29, 2025
Also See: Punjab Was a Joke—Until Shreyas Iyer Turned Them Into IPL Final Contenders
RCB, who have reached three IPL finals before but never won, chased the small target in only 10 overs. Phil Salt, the RCB opener, scored a quick 56 runs without getting out, hitting six fours and three sixes. He looked very comfortable and hit many boundaries, including a strong pull shot against Punjab’s bowler Arshdeep Singh.
The match ended early when RCB captain Rajat Patidar hit a six off Musheer Khan.
Punjab Kings will get another chance to reach the final in Qualifier 2 on June 1 in Ahmedabad. The IPL final will be played on June 3.
