Virat Kohli Takes Charge as RCB ‘Captain’ in Qualifier 1, Orchestrates PBKS Collapse

Virat Kohli Takes Charge as RCB ‘Captain’ in Qualifier 1: Former Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) captain Virat Kohli gave fans a glimpse of his trademark energy and intensity, leading from the front during Punjab Kings' (PBKS) innings in IPL 2025 Qualifier 1. The star batter was seen guiding his teammates with his vast experience, making PBKS feel the heat during the crucial encounter being played in Mullanpur, Punjab.

Star Sports shared a video on X that captured Kohli’s on-field intensity and animated gestures, sparking excitement among fans. "Captain Kohli's energy. Enough said! That trademark intensity is doing the talking as leader Virat Kohli takes charge and PBKS are feeling the heat," read the tweet.

Kohli leapt from the dugout the moment the winning runs were struck in RCB’s chase of 102 and marked their entry into the IPL final — their first in nine years — with unrestrained joy. He high-fived teammates in a frenzy of celebration, basking in the significance of the hard-earned win.

Also Read: IMD Issues Red Alert for Extreme Rainfall in Kerala, Schools Shut; Thunderstorm Warning for Delhi | Weather Updates

Punjab Kings’ ultra-aggressive approach backfired spectacularly as they failed to negotiate the tricky surface, which offered movement and bounce. Josh Hazlewood’s precision bowling (3/21), combined with Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s disciplined lines (1/17) and Yash Dayal’s clever variations (2/26), exploited these conditions expertly. However, it was Kohli’s tactical acumen in managing the field that intensified the pressure, leaving Punjab’s batters scrambling for runs.

Moments after the victory, Kohli turned to the stands where his wife, Bollywood actor Anushka Sharma, was cheering with the RCB camp. Kohli raised his right index finger, mouthing “one more,” a symbolic reminder that just one more win would break RCB’s infamous 18-year-long title drought.

Anushka beamed with pride, soaking in the moment as RCB fans roared across the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Stadium, outnumbering even the home supporters. Left-arm seamer Yash Dayal made the first breakthrough by sending back Priyansh Arya for a single-figure score, while Bhuvneshwar Kumar dismissed his opening partner Prabhsimran Singh for 14.

Also Read: Sooraj Pancholi Claims Actors Pay ₹30 Lakh to Appear on Top Podcasts: ‘I Got Such an Offer Too’

With the bat, RCB’s chase was ruthless. Phil Salt hammered an unbeaten 56 off 27 balls as the visitors chased down the total in just 10 overs. Kohli failed to put in a dominant outing, scoring just 12, but it didn't impact the low run-chase. Fortunately, for the PBKS, there will be another chance to set up a clash with the RCB in the final, as they await the result of the Gujarat Titans' Eliminator game against the Mumbai Indians on Friday.

Comeback man Josh Hazlewood got the big wickets of Shreyas Iyer and Marcus Stoinis, leading the home side to lose four inside the powerplay. Dayal also dismissed Nehal Wadhera in the seventh over as the latter inside-edged one onto the stumps.

The win in Qualifier 1 would provide the victorious side a direct ticket to the final showdown scheduled for June 3 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

Also Read: Israel Accepts Trump’s Envoy’s New Gaza Truce Proposal, Confirms Netanyahu