Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], March 17: Star India batter Virat Kohli has begun practicing in the nets ahead of Royal Challengers Bangalore’s (RCB) campaign opener for the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) against defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on Saturday.
Ahead of the RCB Unbox event, designed to celebrate the franchise’s fanbase with jersey reveals, music performances, and full team practice for fans, RCB offered a sneak peek into Kohli’s nets session. In the clip, Kohli was seen hitting a series of lofted strokes, drives, and showing the trademark energy that has earned him the title of ‘King’ of Indian cricket over the years.
Notably, Kohli was also part of India’s recent ICC Champions Trophy-winning team, finishing as the second-highest run-scorer for India and fifth overall, with 218 runs from five matches at an average of 54.50. His standout performances included a match-winning 100* against Pakistan while chasing down 242 and a gritty 84 from 98 balls against Australia in the semifinals during a tough run-chase of 265 runs.
This will be Kohli’s 18th season with RCB, with the iconic number 18 on his back. Not only will he aim for his first-ever IPL title, but he will also look to add to his already impressive batting records. Kohli remains the highest run-scorer in IPL history, having accumulated 8,004 runs in 252 matches at an average of 38.66 and a strike rate of 131.97, which includes eight centuries and 55 half-centuries.
Last year, Kohli clinched the Orange Cap for the most runs in the season, amassing 741 runs at an average of 61.75 with a remarkable strike rate of 154.69. He scored one century, five half-centuries, and hit 38 sixes, silencing critics with his fearless and dynamic hitting, particularly against spin bowling. His contribution played a significant role in RCB’s inspirational turnaround after a poor start to the season, guiding the team to the playoffs after a string of six consecutive victories.