Virat Kohli’s performance against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the recent IPL 2025 clash has ignited strong reactions from fans and analysts. Kohli, who scored a slow 31 off 30 balls, faced criticism for his approach, with many questioning his intent and suggesting that it might have been better if he had gotten out early.
Batting first, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) made a solid start, with Kohli and Faf du Plessis opening the innings. Kohli, though, failed to get into his stride, scoring only three boundaries during his 30-ball stay. His innings was marked by mistimed shots, careful running between wickets, and a general lack of fluency. The CSK bowlers kept tight lines, not giving Kohli room to play shots.
Noor Ahmad, CSK’s ace bowler, finally got rid of Kohli, but the damage was done as far as supporters were concerned. Fans were rife on social media, taking potshots at Kohli’s strike rate and his lack of ability to change as per the pace of the fast T20 format. One of the users said, “Better to exit on a duck than get a slow 30 that puts the team under pressure.” Another fan posted, “Kohli must alter his game if RCB wishes to win the title.”
Despite Kohli’s slow knock, RCB managed to post a competitive 196/7, thanks to Rajat Patidar’s aggressive 51 off 32 balls and Phil Salt’s quickfire 32 off 16 deliveries. Dinesh Karthik also played a crucial cameo, scoring 28 off 12 balls to give RCB a late push.
CSK’s bowlers, particularly Noor Ahmad (3/36) and Matheesha Pathirana (2 wickets), dominated the middle overs, which made it hard for RCB to gather momentum. Yet, Patidar’s counter-attacking strategy and Karthik’s death-over fireworks saw RCB come up with a tough total to chase.
Kohli’s strike rate of 103.33 was a major talking point after the match. In a format where quick scoring is essential, Kohli’s cautious approach raised concerns about whether he is suited to the modern T20 game. Analysts pointed out that Kohli’s strength has traditionally been in pacing an innings, but in high-scoring games, this strategy could backfire.
Experienced cricketers also chimed in. “Kohli is a legend, but T20 cricket is changing at a rapid rate,” one said. “The intention to play aggressively and score fast is key, and Kohli may have to adapt his game to meet the changing needs.
On the other hand, RCB’s bowling department looked promising with Mohammed Siraj and Glenn Maxwell bowling tight spells. But CSK’s batting order, with heavy hitters in the form of Ruturaj Gaikwad and Shivam Dube, made the run chase interesting.
While Kohli’s form remains under scrutiny, RCB will hope that he rediscovers his touch in the coming matches. Kohli’s experience and leadership are invaluable for RCB, but the need for him to accelerate his scoring rate has become evident. The upcoming games will be crucial for Kohli as he looks to silence his critics and help RCB push for a playoff spot.
As the IPL tournament goes on, everyone will watch Kohli anxiously to gauge whether he will be able to modify his style of play and produce the level of match-winning performances that has characterized his magnificent career.
