Virat Kohli smashes a sublime 70 as RCB post 205/5 against Rajasthan Royals

ANI April 25, 2025 279 views

Virat Kohli ended his home-ground fifty drought with a dominant 70 off 42 balls, setting RCB up for a big total. His 95-run stand with Devdutt Padikkal (50 off 27) kept the momentum going. Late cameos from Tim David and Jitesh Sharma ensured RCB crossed the 200-run mark. Rajasthan Royals now face a challenging chase of 206 to secure their third win.

"Kohli ensured RCB got off to an explosive start" – Match Report
Bengaluru, April 24: Virat Kohli ended his half-century drought at home with a fluent 70 off 42 balls against Rajasthan Royals (RR), helping Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) post a formidable total of 205/5 at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Thursday in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025.

Key Points

1

Kohli's 70 off 42 sets RCB's strong foundation

2

Padikkal's quickfire 50 boosts middle order

3

Late fireworks from David & Sharma push RCB past 200

4

RR face tough 206 chase

The knock marked Kohli's fifth fifty in nine matches this season, taking his tally to 392 runs. He now sits second in the race for the Orange Cap. His innings, laced with eight boundaries and two sixes, set the tone for RCB after they were asked to bat first by RR skipper Riyan Parag.

Opening the innings alongside Phil Salt, Kohli ensured RCB got off to an explosive start. The duo added 59 runs in the powerplay and reached their fifty-run partnership in just 4.4 overs. However, Salt was dismissed soon after making 26 off 23 balls, with the team at 61/1.

Devdutt Padikkal then joined Kohli, and the two built a solid 95-run stand. Kohli eventually fell to Jofra Archer in 15.1 over after a commanding display. Padikkal, who looked in fine touch, followed soon after, having scored 50 off 27 balls, including four boundaries and three sixes.

The quick wickets of Kohli, Padikkal, and RCB skipper Rajat Patidar, who made just one run, saw the hosts lose three wickets in quick succession. RCB were 163/4 in 16.5 overs.

However, Tim David and Jitesh Sharma injected momentum in the death overs with some late fireworks. David scored 23 off 15 balls before being run out on the final delivery, while Sharma remained unbeaten on 20 off just 10 balls, striking four boundaries to push RCB past the 200-run mark.

For Rajasthan, Sandeep Sharma was the standout performer with figures of 2/45, while Jofra Archer and Wanindu Hasaranga chipped in with a wicket each.

Rajasthan will need to chase 206 to get their third win of the season.

Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
King Kohli is back with a bang! That was an absolute masterclass in batting. The way he timed those shots was pure poetry in motion 👑 #RCB
P
Priya M.
While Kohli was brilliant, I think RCB's middle order collapse could be concerning. Need more consistency from Patidar and others if they want to win consistently.
A
Amit S.
Padikkal's 50 was equally impressive! So good to see him perform against his former team. That partnership with Kohli was 🔥
S
Sanjay V.
Jitesh Sharma's cameo at the end was crucial! Those 20 runs might make all the difference. Smart batting under pressure.
N
Neha P.
The way Kohli celebrated after reaching 50 showed how much this meant to him. Pure passion for the game! Can't wait to see RR's chase now.
V
Vikram J.
Sandeep Sharma was expensive today but still managed 2 wickets. RR's bowling needs to tighten up if they want to restrict teams under 200 regularly.

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Tags:
Virat Kohli RCB vs RR IPL 2025 Orange Cap Kohli 70 Royal Challengers Bengaluru
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