Former Team India cricketer Suresh Raina made a huge statement about Virat Kohli’s role during Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) win over Punjab Kings (PBKS) in IPL 2025 Qualifier 1. Raina said that it was difficult to tell who the official captain was, even though Rajat Patidar was leading the team.
RCB secured a spot in their fourth IPL final after defeating Punjab Kings by eight wickets at Mullanpur on Thursday, May 29. It will be their first IPL final since 2016. RCB will now head to Ahmedabad to face the winner of Qualifier 2 in the IPL 2025 final on Tuesday, June 3, at the Narendra Modi Stadium.
Suresh Raina praised Virat Kohli for his leadership, noting how Kohli guided the bowlers and provided strategic advice. He also suggested that this IPL season could see a new team emerge as champions.
"This is what happens when you finish in the top two, it has been 18 years for Kohli. He was suggesting the bowlers to bowl a bit fuller after Bhuvi's over. Rajat Patidar has also captained well. I think a brand new IPL winner is loading," Raina said on Star Sports.
Virat Kohli was active throughout the game in the first innings. Kohli encouraged both bowlers and fielders with constant advice and celebrated wickets with great intensity. Meanwhile, Rajat Patidar resumed his role as captain after recently playing as an impact player in the previous matches.
Virat Kohli Has Put in 18 Years of Hard Work - Suresh Raina
The former Indian all-rounder stated that he couldn’t figure out who was the captain of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru. He added that after so many seasons, RCB fans are eager to see their team win the IPL trophy.
"He has worked hard for 18 years, and this is the 18th season of the IPL. RCB fans want to see the IPL trophy at the Chinnaswamy. I can’t figure out who is the captain today," he added.
Bengaluru dismissed Punjab Kings for just 101 runs and comfortably chased the target with 10 overs remaining. Punjab now have another chance to reach the final. The Shreyas Iyer-led team will face the winner of the eliminator between the third and fourth-placed teams.
Virat Kohli Is RCB’s Leading Run-Scorer in IPL 2025
Virat Kohli has been in stellar form for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in IPL 2025. He is the leading run-getter for the team with 614 runs from 14 innings at an average of 55.81 and a strike rate of 146.53. The veteran batter has registered eight half-centuries in 15 matches.
However, Kohli had a rare off day in Qualifier 1 against Punjab Kings, scoring just 12 runs off 12 balls before edging a delivery from Kyle Jamieson to the wicketkeeper in the fourth over. His opening partner, Phil Salt, completed the chase with an unbeaten 56 off 27 deliveries.
RCB’s standout performer with the ball was leg-spinner Suyash Sharma, who earned the Player of the Match award for his figures of 3 for 17 in three overs. He picked up the wickets of Marcus Stoinis, Shashank Singh, and Musheer Khan.
Also read: Watch: Vaibhav Suryavanshi falls at PM Narendra Modi’s feet after IPL 2025 heroics
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