Virat Kohli’s Performance Lacked ‘Intent’ in IPL 2025 Final
Virat Kohli’s long-awaited pursuit of an IPL title faced another setback as he fell short in the 2025 final against the Punjab Kings. Playing at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, Kohli scored 43 runs off 35 balls, lacking the aggressive intent that has characterized his career. His performance raised concerns as he couldn’t adapt to the conditions, ultimately leaving Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) with a below-par total, despite some contributions from his teammates.
Kohli’s Struggles in the Final
Throughout the match, Kohli aimed to anchor the innings, but his approach appeared tentative. His first boundary came on the fourth ball of the fourth over, a flick that barely set the tone for what was to follow. He found himself stuck alongside aggressive partners like Phil Salt and Mayank Agarwal, contributing to a frustrating powerplay where RCB failed to score any boundaries for 13 consecutive balls. Kohli’s second boundary came after another long wait, showcasing a brief glimpse of intent with a cheeky ramp shot. However, he quickly reverted to a cautious approach, which undermined RCB’s momentum.
The turning point came when Kohli attempted a slog-sweep that ended in a spectacular catch by Azmatullah Omarzai. The crowd erupted, contrasting sharply with the silence that followed Kohli’s dismissal. His exit was marked by a mix of disappointment and frustration, as he walked back to the dugout, leaving RCB to rely on lower-order contributions to set a competitive total.
Contributions from Teammates
Despite Kohli’s struggles, RCB found support from other players, notably Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma, and Romario Shepherd. Livingstone scored 25 runs off 15 balls, while Sharma made a quick 24 off just 10 deliveries. Shepherd added a valuable 17 runs off 9 balls. These performances were crucial in helping RCB reach a total that, while still underwhelming, gave them a fighting chance. Without these cameos, the team could have faced an even greater challenge.
Kohli’s IPL Final Record
Kohli’s record in IPL finals has been a topic of scrutiny, with many pointing out his inconsistency on the biggest stage. His previous performances in finals tell a story of missed opportunities. In 2009, he scored a mere 7 runs, and in 2011, he managed only 32. The 2016 final remains a painful memory for him, where he scored 54 runs before RCB suffered a dramatic collapse. This ongoing trend of underwhelming performances in crucial matches raises questions about his ability to deliver when it matters most, especially given his stature in the game. As RCB reflects on this latest disappointment, the team will need to regroup and reassess its strategies moving forward in the IPL.
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