Virat Kohli\u2019s identity as an RCB player is inseparable from Royal Challengers Bengaluru\u2019s story. It\u2019s the only IPL franchise Kohli has represented, and since the time RCB entered the league, his fortunes have often run parallel with theirs\u2014at moments bringing joy, and at others delivering disappointment. But the last two seasons have shifted that narrative dramatically. After an 18-year wait, RCB and Kohli finally tasted IPL title success in 2025, and on Sunday they captured that champions\u2019 feeling again, with Kohli playing the starring role in the final against Gujarat Titans.<\/p>\n
In the championship match versus GT, Kohli delivered under pressure despite cramps, taking charge during the chase of 156. He remained unbeaten on 75* while producing his fastest-ever IPL half-century\u2014reaching the milestone in just 25 deliveries. With Kohli holding firm, RCB completed the chase in 18 overs, reaching the target with a clinical run-rate after working through the challenge of GT\u2019s bowling.<\/p>\n
RCB began brightly, moving to 62\/0 in 4.2 overs with Kohli and Venkatesh Iyer in rhythm. The opening partnership was flowing, including a contribution of 32 off 16 balls from Iyer alongside Kohli\u2019s control. Then the momentum dipped: after starting at 62\/0, RCB slipped to 63\/2 by 5.1 overs. Even with the quick wickets, Kohli\u2019s composure did not break\u2014he kept the chase on track as the innings tightened.<\/p>\n
Venkatesh Iyer, who witnessed Kohli\u2019s impact throughout the season\u2014first from within the RCB setup and later as Kohli\u2019s opening partner in the closing matches including the final\u2014shared why Kohli stands out. In an exclusive conversation, Iyer described Kohli\u2019s approach as something that lifts the energy of the entire group, insisting teammates can\u2019t afford to be casual while sharing the field with him.<\/p>\n
Iyer also pointed to Kohli\u2019s ability to bring confidence during tough phases of a chase. He stressed that when quick wickets fall, the team stays calm because they know Kohli is still there. In Iyer\u2019s view, Kohli\u2019s presence becomes a mental contest before it even turns into one with the bat and ball.<\/p>\n
Further, Iyer explained that Kohli\u2019s preparation is structured rather than instinctive. He said Kohli\u2019s practice has a method, and that the way he approaches the game is defined by high energy consistently. Iyer also highlighted that Kohli\u2019s tactical nuance is something players can learn from, noting that while they may not talk much during batting, he still absorbs a great deal from Kohli\u2019s way of thinking.<\/p>\n
On what keeps Kohli\u2019s game so educational for those around him, Iyer pointed to the day-to-day lessons. He said it\u2019s inspiring for anyone watching and wanting to pick up something new. For Iyer, the key lies in the smaller details\u2014tactical adjustments and understanding what bowlers are likely to bring. He concluded by quoting Kohli\u2019s broader message: be clear about the plan, including when the best option is to defend, because clarity itself does half the work.<\/p>\n
Virat Kohli\u2019s identity as an RCB player is inseparable from Royal Challengers Bengaluru\u2019s story. It\u2019s the only IPL franchise Kohli has represented, and since the…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":13772,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_yoast_wpseo_title":"Venkatesh Iyer on Virat Kohli\u2019s RCB Identity in IPL","_yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Venkatesh Iyer breaks down why Virat Kohli\u2019s RCB identity is so special\u2014after RCB\u2019s long wait ended in 2025 IPL title glory.","footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-13774","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-ipl"],"yoast_head":"\n