Virat Kohli The M. Chinnaswamy Stadium came alive once again as Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) clinched their first home win of IPL 2025, thanks to a masterclass from none other than Virat Kohli. With the pressure mounting and fans desperately seeking a turnaround from the team, Virat Kohli rose to the occasion with a gritty 70-run knock that anchored RCB’s successful chase.
This victory not only boosted team morale but also reignited the spirit of the RCB faithful who have been waiting for a turnaround at their fortress. Let’s dive into the highlights, Kohli’s incredible innings, match analysis, and what this means for RCB moving forward in IPL 2025.
Kohli’s Class Shines in a Crucial Encounter
After a rocky start to the season with back-to-back defeats, RCB finally found momentum with a performance that was both clinical and passionate. Facing a confident Rajasthan Royals (RR) side, RCB knew the importance of a win, especially in front of their home crowd.
Chasing a competitive target of 205, RCB lost an early wicket but Kohli steadied the ship. His 70 off 42 deliveries was a mix of elegance, composure, and aggression — a vintage Kohli innings that reminded everyone why he’s still one of the best in the business.
Kohli’s knock included 8 boundaries and a six, punctuated by quick running between the wickets and a calculated approach against spin and pace alike. He built solid partnerships with Phil Salt and Padikkal, ensuring that RCB win by 11 runs.
Key Highlights of the Match
- Josh Hazlewood Spell: Josh Hazlewood was exceptional with the ball, picking up 4 wickets for just 33 runs and keeping things tight in the death overs.
- Rajasthan Royals Chase: Rajasthan Royals reach 194-9 (20ov) Yashasvi Jaiswal gets 49 of 19.
- Electric Chinnaswamy Crowd: The home fans made their presence felt with unrelenting energy, celebrating every boundary and wicket.
RCB vs RR Highlights: Royal Challengers Bangalore Beat Rajasthan Royals by 11 Runs
Royal Challengers Bangalore clinched a thrilling 11-run victory over Rajasthan Royals in a high-octane IPL 2025 clash at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. Batting first, RCB posted a mammoth total of 205/4, thanks to a composed 70 from Virat Kohli and explosive contributions from Devdutt Padikkal and Rajat Patidar.
In reply, Yashasvi Jaiswal gave RR a flying start with a blistering 49 off just 19 balls, but Josh Hazlewood’s clinical spell and late wickets helped RCB pull things back. Despite a valiant effort from the Royals’ middle order, they fell short, finishing at 194/9. This win marked RCB’s first home victory of the season and reignited their playoff hopes.
Click Here to watch full match highlights RCB VS RR…
Turning Point: Kohli’s Acceleration in the Middle Overs
While the early phase of the chase was cautious, the real shift came when Kohli started accelerating in the middle overs. Facing the spin duo of W Hasaranga and W Hasaranga, he used his feet, rotated the strike, and picked the right deliveries to go after.
One standout moment was when Kohli danced down the track to smash a six off Hasaranga — a shot that lifted the entire stadium. From there on, the pressure was squarely on the Royals, and RCB never looked back.
Middle Overs: Padikkal and Kohli Take Charge
As the innings progressed into the middle overs, RCB shifted gears with Devdutt Padikkal and Virat Kohli at the crease. Padikkal broke the shackles with a pair of elegant boundaries, while Kohli, ever the anchor and aggressor, brought up yet another gritty IPL fifty with back-to-back boundaries off Sandeep Sharma.
The duo showcased perfect synergy, rotating the strike well and punishing loose deliveries. Their calculated aggression turned the tide in RCB’s favor, launching a flurry of sixes in quick succession. This explosive partnership in the middle overs laid the perfect platform for a massive total, putting Rajasthan Royals firmly on the back foot.
RCB’s Bowling Setup Finds Rhythm
Josh Hazlewood Shines with the Ball: Clinical Spell Puts Brakes on Opposition’s Chase
Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood delivered a top-class performance today, showcasing his trademark accuracy and control. He consistently hit hard lengths, kept the batters in check, and picked up key wickets at crucial moments. His spell played a pivotal role in turning the momentum in RCB’s favor, proving once again why he’s one of the most dependable bowlers in the IPL.
It was the discipline with which they bowled that made the difference — a rare but welcome sight for RCB fans.
What This Win Means for RCB
- Momentum Shift: This win could mark a turning point for RCB in IPL 2025. Securing a win at home boosts team morale and confidence.
- Kohli’s Form: With Kohli back in form, the team has its backbone firing again. His consistency at the top sets the tone for the rest of the lineup.
- Team Combination Clicks: The balance of youth and experience seemed to work well in this match. A sign that RCB may have found their ideal XI moving forward.
Fan Reaction: Chants, Cheers, and Belief
Social media exploded with admiration for Kohli. The hashtag #KingKohli trended across platforms as fans shared clips of his innings, praised his leadership, and expressed hope for RCB’s playoff push.
At the stadium, every shot Kohli played was met with deafening roars. It was not just a win — it was an emotional rollercoaster that reconnected the team with its fans.
Kohli on His Knock
Speaking after the match, Kohli said:
“It feels great to contribute to the team’s win. The fans have been amazing, and this one is for them. We wanted to get that first home win badly, and I’m glad we could deliver tonight.”
His calm yet confident demeanor signaled a focused Kohli — one that could carry RCB deep into the tournament.
Looking Ahead: RCB’s Upcoming Fixtures
With this win under their belt, RCB will look to build a winning streak. Their next few matches will be critical in shaping their IPL 2025 journey. If they can carry this momentum forward, a playoff berth may not be too far-fetched.
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FAQs
1. How many runs did Virat Kohli score in RCB’s first home win of IPL 2025?
Virat Kohli scored 70 runs off 42 balls in RCB’s first home win of IPL 2025 against Rajasthan Royals.
2. Who did RCB play in their first home win of IPL 2025?
RCB played against Rajasthan Royals and successfully win by 11 runs.
3. What was the turning point of the match?
The turning point was Kohli’s aggressive approach during the middle overs, particularly against the spin attack of RR.
4. How did the RCB bowlers perform in the match?
Josh Hazlewood led the bowling attack with figures of 4/33, while Krunal Pandya also contributed crucial wickets.
5. What impact does this win have on RCB’s IPL 2025 campaign?
The win provides a much-needed momentum shift, builds team confidence, and positions them better in the points table.
