Virat Kohli once again proved why he is the ultimate chase master, guiding Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) to a crucial win against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the IPL 2025 opener. His unbeaten 59 off 36 balls anchored RCB’s chase of 175, showcasing his trademark aggression in the Powerplay before settling in to steer the innings. However, beyond his match-winning knock, Virat Kohli’s pre-match dance with Bollywood superstar and KKR co-owner Shah Rukh Khan became a talking point. RCB batting coach Dinesh Karthik playfully credited Virat Kohli’s sharp footwork to his dance moves, adding a lighthearted moment to the intense cricketing action. Former Australian great Matthew Hayden hailed Virat Kohli’s innings as a “chasing masterclass,” dubbing his recent form as “Virat Kohli 2.0.”
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) secured a crucial victory against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the opening match of IPL 2025, thanks to a stellar performance by Virat Kohli. Batting with remarkable intent, Virat Kohli remained unbeaten on 59 off 36 balls, guiding his team to a successful chase of 175. His aggressive approach in the Powerplay, where he maintained a strike rate above 200, set the stage for RCB’s triumph before he steadied the innings after Phil Salt’s departure.
However, apart from his match-winning knock, what caught everyone’s attention was his pre-match dance with Bollywood superstar and KKR co-owner Shah Rukh Khan. During the grand opening ceremony, Virat Kohli was seen grooving alongside SRK, creating a lighthearted moment before the intense competition began.
RCB’s batting coach Dinesh Karthik, while delivering a motivational speech in the dressing room, couldn’t resist teasing Virat Kohli about his dance moves. Reflecting on the match, Dinesh Karthik humorously credited Virat Kohli’s sharp footwork to his performance alongside Shah Rukh. He revealed a conversation with head coach Andy Flower, who jokingly remarked that Virat Kohli’s impeccable footwork on the field was a result of his dance steps before the game. Dinesh Karthik, however, also lauded Virat Kohli’s approach, emphasizing how the star batter expertly navigated the different phases of the chase.
Highlighting Virat Kohli’s ability to assess game situations, Dinesh Karthik pointed out that he played with intent early on but adapted his strategy when required. He noted that Virat Kohli’s innings served as an important lesson for other batters on managing the ups and downs of a run chase. Kohli, often regarded as the “chase master,” once again proved why he holds that title by executing his innings with precision and maturity.
Former Australian opener Matthew Hayden also heaped praise on Virat Kohli’s performance, describing it as a “chasing masterclass.” He labeled Virat Kohli’s recent form as “Virat Kohli 2.0,” acknowledging his dynamic evolution as a batter. Hayden explained that the target of 175 was ideal for Virat Kohli, as he thrives in such situations where the required run rate remains competitive but manageable. He also commended Phil Salt for providing crucial support at the other end, allowing Virat Kohli to accelerate when needed.
Hayden further analyzed Virat Kohli’s adaptability, noting that while he is typically dominant against pace in the Powerplay, his real impact in this match came during the middle overs. Maintaining a strike rate above 170 in those crucial phases, Virat Kohli ensured that RCB remained on course for victory, reinforcing his reputation as one of the best chasers in the game. His composed and calculated approach helped RCB register a significant win to kick off their IPL 2025 campaign on a high note.
