IPL: Virat Kohli joins RCB squad, ready for 2025 campaign
What's the story
Star cricketer Virat Kohli has officially joined the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) squad for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season.
This will be his 18th consecutive season with RCB.
Kohli arrived late after taking a short break following his pivotal role in India's recent Champions Trophy win.
The franchise had been teasing fans about his return with social media posts, one of which prominently featured Kohli's tattoos.
Here's more.
Trophy triumph
Kohli's stellar performance in the Champions Trophy
Kohli's recent outing in the Champions Trophy was nothing short of spectacular.
He scored a total of 218 runs in five matches, averaging an impressive 54.50.
Despite a slow start against Bangladesh, Kohli rebounded with a century against Pakistan and later contributed significantly to India's semi-final victory over Australia with a score of 84 runs.
The star batter would now look to continue his form in the upcoming 2025 IPL season and lead RCB their first title.
Title defense
Kohli aims to retain IPL Orange Cap
As he gears up for the IPL 2025 season, Kohli will be looking to retain his position as the highest run-scorer in IPL history.
He will be competing to retain the Orange Cap, an accolade he won last year.
Despite rumors of a possible leadership role this season, RCB management clarified that Kohli has opted against captaining the side.
The team has appointed Rajat Patidar as their new skipper for the 2025 season.
Leadership transition
Rajat Patidar to lead RCB in IPL 2025
As mentioned, Patidar will assume the captaincy of the franchise for IPL 2025.
Despite not being the captain this season, Kohli's leadership skills are highly appreciated by the team management.
Mo Bobat, from RCB's management, said: "Virat doesn't need a captaincy title to lead... I think it just comes naturally to him. He leads regardless."
The team's campaign begins against defending champions, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at Eden Gardens on March 22.
Numbers
Kohli's impressive IPL numbers at a glance
As mentioned, Kohli won the coveted organe cap during the 2024 season, amassing 741 runs at an average of 61.75 across 15 matches.
He also managed a strike rate of 154.70 alongside one hundred and five half-centuries.
Notably, he is also the highest scorer in IPL history, having racked a whopping 8,004 runs across 252 matches at 38.67.
Kohli's overall strike rate reads 131.97, alongside his eight tons and 55 half-centuries, and a high score of 113*.
Twitter Post
An official X post from the franchise
#18 for season 18.
— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) March 15, 2025
He's home! 🤩 pic.twitter.com/t3H2QkN4HE