RCB’s Star Struggles, Internet Reacts Harshly
Virat Kohli has long been the heart of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), a talismanic figure who embodies the franchise’s hopes. But on Friday, during a high-stakes IPL 2025 clash against Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Kohli’s innings was anything but inspiring. Scoring a sluggish 31 off 30 balls, the usually aggressive batter looked uncharacteristically out of sorts.
The internet, as expected, was ruthless. Fans took to social media, questioning his intent and lamenting his inability to accelerate. Some even argued that getting out on a duck would have been better than chewing up deliveries without impact. Is this just a one-off failure, or does it hint at a deeper problem for the RCB legend?
A Rare Off Day or a Worrying Pattern?
From the very first over, it was evident that Kohli wasn’t at his best. Struggling against both pace and spin, he misjudged yorkers, mistimed pull shots, and barely survived an early run-out scare. His sole moment of aggression came in the 10th over when he smashed a six and a four off Matheesha Pathirana. But just when it seemed like he might turn things around, the struggles resumed.
CSK’s spinners—Noor Ahmad and Ravindra Jadeja—exploited Kohli’s discomfort with tight, disciplined bowling. The RCB batter was unable to find gaps or rotate strike effectively. Ultimately, his attempt to break free resulted in a mistimed slog-sweep, caught at deep midwicket.
For a batter of Kohli’s caliber, such innings are unusual. But what makes this particularly frustrating for fans is that it isn’t the first time in recent years that Kohli has been criticized for slow strike rates, especially in T20 cricket.
The Bigger Question: Is Kohli Holding RCB Back?
RCB still managed a competitive 196/7, thanks to contributions from Rajat Patidar (51 off 32), Phil Salt (32 off 16), and a late flourish from Tim David (22 off 8). While the team’s overall performance was solid, Kohli’s lack of fluency was a glaring weak spot.
T20 cricket is evolving rapidly, with aggressive stroke play and fearless hitting becoming the norm. Does Kohli’s approach still fit the modern T20 template? His critics argue that his reluctance to take risks early in the innings forces others to play catch-up, putting additional pressure on the middle order.
At 36, Kohli is no longer the fearless young batter who would charge down the pitch and take on the world’s best bowlers. His game has become more calculated—but in a format that rewards explosiveness, is calculation becoming a liability?
Fan Reactions: Brutal but Honest?
Social media was flooded with reactions after Kohli’s sluggish knock, with fans expressing their disappointment in no uncertain terms.
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“This is not the Kohli we grew up watching. Where’s the intent?”
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“RCB would have been better off if he got out early instead of blocking deliveries.”
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“He needs to reinvent his game. Strike rate matters in T20s.”
Of course, Kohli’s loyal fanbase defended him, reminding critics of his recent unbeaten 59 against Kolkata Knight Riders. But in the ruthless world of IPL, there’s little room for past achievements—every game demands fresh proof of greatness.
What’s Next for Kohli and RCB?
Kohli is no stranger to criticism, and if history is any indication, he will be eager to silence his doubters in the next game. However, the bigger question remains: should he tweak his approach, or does RCB need to rethink their batting strategy around him?
With young power-hitters redefining T20 batting, Kohli’s role in the format is under scrutiny. Is he still the force he once was, or is RCB clinging to a legacy that no longer aligns with the demands of the modern game?
One thing is certain—Virat Kohli is at a crossroads in his T20 career. And with the IPL spotlight burning bright, the world is watching his next move.