All eyes are turning towards Virat Kohli as the IPL’s 18th edition, the highly awaited season, draws near. As the biggest question regarding Indians before IPL 2025 begins is, how would the outgoing Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) icon approach this season since he has stopped playing international T20 cricket?
Kohli was once also under the microscope last season, particularly on his strike rate in key games. Even after scoring runs against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in Bengaluru and Rajasthan Royals (RR) in Jaipur, many of the critics and fans were questioning his approach. Feeling his batting in conditions that are generally conducive to scoring runs in such places was, in that situation, a player who did not exhibit a temperament fitting of his status, especially with the bat. RCB’s defeats in those matches only fuelled the ongoing debate about Kohli’s scoring tempo and whether he was good enough to finish a match with the flair he is accustomed to in the shortest format of the game.
Now, the pressure on Kohli was coming to a head as the announcement of the T20 World Cup squad approached, with questions being asked about whether he would be able to strike at a high rate and play the game from the front. Nevertheless, his former South African captain, RCB legend and one of Kohli’s closest friends, AB de Villiers, has cast his voice in his favour. But, speaking during a press room on Explosive Rankings, AB admitted that at times, outside noise and criticism do get to Kohli.
“Until now, I have always felt Virat has been criticized unnecessarily in recent seasons. He’s batting incredibly well. We are all human,” said AB, “but outside noise can get anyone. Moreover, he told me even in his playing years, he used to question himself privately and perform well.” According to AB, however, Kohli has a rare knack for shutting out distractions just when it counts.
Talking about his T20 form following his retirement after winning the T20 World Cup, he said, “And yes, he might have called retirement on international T20 cricket, but I feel there’s plenty left in the tent for Virat, especially with a batting line-up. RCB has got this season. I don’t think Virat’s going to feel a lot of pressure. He can just really go out there and play what he sees in front of him. And that is when Virat is at his absolute best when he plays the situation.”
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