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Royal Challengers Bengaluru talisman Virat Kohli once again showcased his class in the IPL 2025 with a match-winning performance against Punjab Kings on Sunday. While his elegant 54-ball 73* was the highlight on the field, Kohli also grabbed attention for a light-hearted exchange with PBKS bowler Harpreet Brar during the game.
In a moment of camaraderie caught on camera, Kohli was seen bantering fluently in Punjabi with Brar. Referring to their long-standing acquaintance, Kohli playfully teased the bowler, saying, “It’s been 20 years, I even know your coach. Your hand has got so weak.” The clip, shared by Star Sports, quickly went viral, drawing smiles from fans across social media.
Typical VK! 😉🗣
How good was he in the #IPLRevengeWeek against Punjab today? 👀😁#IPLonJioStar 👉 #MIvCSK | LIVE NOW on Star Sports Network & JioHotstar! pic.twitter.com/GKbUg374lI
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) April 20, 2025
Kohli’s unbeaten 73, which included seven boundaries and a six, proved instrumental in RCB’s successful chase of 158, achieved with seven balls to spare. His composed knock not only anchored the innings but also provided the perfect finishing touch to seal the victory.
Despite being named `Player of the Match`, Kohli graciously acknowledged his teammate Devdutt Padikkal’s contribution, suggesting that the young opener was more deserving of the accolade. Padikkal set the tone for the chase with a blazing 61 off just 35 balls, featuring five fours and four sixes. Together, Kohli and Padikkal stitched a 103-run partnership off 69 deliveries for the second wicket, firmly swinging the momentum in RCB’s favor.
With this innings, Kohli registered his fourth half-century of the season, and notably, each of those fifties has come in matches that resulted in victories for RCB. The star batter has now accumulated 322 runs in eight innings at an impressive average of 64.40 and a strike rate of 140, placing him fourth on the list of top run-scorers this season.
RCB currently occupies the third position on the points table with 10 points from eight matches, having secured five wins. As the tournament progresses, Kohli will aim to help RCB clinch their first home victory when they face Rajasthan Royals at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on April 24.
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