When Virat Kohli walked into IPL 2025, he carried the hopes of a billion fans and a 17-year RCB title drought. What followed was a season of breathtaking mastery (710 runs, Orange Cap) and soul-crushing heartbreak. This is the definitive story of Kohli’s warrior campaign – where records bowed to him, trolls targeted his “Test mode” batting, and Bengaluru’s dream died at the final hurdle.
Virat Kohli in IPL 2025: Record-Breaking Season Ends in Heartbreaking Final Loss
Virat Kohli’s IPL 2025 campaign was a masterclass in dominance and heartbreak. Scoring 710 runs, the King claimed the Orange Cap, smashing records with consistent brilliance. From match-winning knocks to a stunning century, Kohli led RCB to the IPL 2025 final against PBKS. Yet, despite his heroics, RCB fell short. Kohli’s emotional reaction after the loss went viral, marking one of IPL’s most dramatic moments. His IPL 2025 performance reaffirms his legacy as T20’s undisputed king.
By the Numbers: Virat Kohli Historic Season
- 710 runs in 15 matches (Avg. 59.16, SR 153.78)
- 42% of RCB’s powerplay runs – the highest dependency in IPL history
- 4 fifties + 1 century (102* off 58 vs GT)
- 26 sixes – his most in any IPL season
The Final Agony: Virat Kohli “Test Mode” Trolling Explained
In the final against PBKS, Virat Kohli 65 off 42 balls drew unexpected criticism:
- Powerplay Blitz: 28 off 14 balls (SR 200)
- Middle-Over Slowdown: Next 37 runs took 28 balls (SR 132)
- The Troll Trigger: Fans slammed his “anchor approach” when RCB needed 104 off 54
Times of India captured the irony: “Kohli wins Orange Cap but loses final playing ‘Test cricket'”. Former cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar noted: “Kohli’s strike rate dip against spin (118) cost RCB the trophy.”
Behind the Scenes: Sideline Fire and Fury
Hindustan Times revealed a volcanic moment:
“After losing partners, Virat Kohli was seen in an intense discussion with coach Andy Flower and DK during the strategic timeout. His visible gasp after Rabada’s yorker nearly cleaned him up spoke volumes about the pressure.”
– Source
Insiders suggest Kohli argued for power-hitters to be promoted earlier – a move RCB delayed until overs 14-15.
Why Kohli’s 2025 Season Redefined T20 Greatness
- The Spin Conquest:
- Solved his weakness against left-arm spin: 78 runs at 168 SR vs such bowlers
- Reverse-scooped Rashid Khan for six – a shot he rarely attempted pre-2024
- Fitness Revolution:
At 36, he covered 558 kms during the season – fastest among non-wicketkeepers (ESPNcricinfo Data) - Captaincy Without Armband:
- Directed field placements during Faf’s off-field treatments
- Mentored Mayank Dagar (took 15 wickets under Kohli’s guidance)
The Future: Test Cricket Commitment Amid T20 Evolution
When a fan trolled “Stick to Tests, King”, Kohli fired back:
“I’ll play red-ball cricket till my legs give way. T20? I adapt for team needs.”
Sources confirm his schedule:
- Tests: Targeting 2027 WTC final
- T20Is: 2026 World Cup likely farewell
- IPL: “Will play 2+ seasons” (RCB retention confirmed)
Expert Verdicts: Praise and Criticism
| Praise | Criticism |
|---|---|
| “Best anchor in T20 history” – Gavaskar | “Strike rate dinosaur” – ex-PAK spinner |
| “Fitness benchmark for generations” – Ponting | “Cost RCB the final” – Twitter analytics page |
| “Reinvented his power game” – ABD | “Selfish Orange Cap chase” – troll meme |
Legacy Watch: Where Kohli Stands After IPL 2025
- All-time IPL Runs: 7,842 (extending his record)
- Global T20 Runs: 12,917 – only behind Gayle (14,562)
- Trophies: Still 0 IPL titles, 1 World Cup
As Harsha Bhogle noted: “Kohli’s career is Shakespearean – brilliant but haunted by team failures.”
Conclusion: The Eternal Flame
Virat Kohli’s 2025 season embodied athletic perfection and poetic tragedy. He scaled Everest with his batting, yet the summit (IPL trophy) remains shrouded in storm clouds. As he trains for India’s Test tour of Australia, one thing is clear: Kohli’s fire burns brighter than ever. The king isn’t done writing history.
Explore More:
