NEW DELHI: Virat Kohli once again proved why he’s one of the greatest in the shortest format, guiding Royal Challengers Bengaluru to a crucial seven-wicket win over Punjab Kings in Mullanpur on Sunday.
Chasing 158, Kohli remained unbeaten on 73 off 54 balls, anchoring the innings alongside Devdutt Padikkal, who smashed 61 in a match-defining 103-run stand.
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Kohli’s calm and calculated approach drew high praise from former India opener Virender Sehwag, who called the veteran batter a “legend” for his unmatched ability to finish games under pressure.
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“There are batters who can hit better shots than him, maybe a better six or four,” Sehwag said. “But what Kohli does that others can’t is this — he stays not out, scores runs, and ensures his team crosses the line. That’s what makes him a legend.”
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Sehwag emphasised that Kohli’s match-winning temperament is what sets him apart. “When you’re chasing 160-170, strike rate doesn’t matter as much. He has done this countless times — not just for RCB, but for India too, especially in T20s and ODIs.”
Kohli, 36, notched up his fourth half-century of IPL 2025 and surpassed David Warner for the most 50-plus scores in the tournament’s history — now sitting at 67, including eight centuries.
“This was a very important game for us,” Kohli said post-match. “One solid partnership is enough in a chase. I’m holding one end, and that’s working well right now.”
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