Virat Kohli began IPL 2025 by hitting an undefeated half-century which helped Royal Challengers Bengaluru win their game before enduring a period where his performances produced lower scores. At Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, Kohli achieved something special during his innings against Mumbai Indians which logged him into cricket history. Kohli managed to accumulate 13,000 T20 runs while forming the highest-ever partnership in T20 cricket together with Devdutt Padikkal.
Strong wrists! 💪🏻
Perfect placement! 👊🏻
Real statement! 💥#ViratKohli smashes #JaspritBumrah for a MAXIMUM at the mid-wicket fence! ❤
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Poor Start But Stabilised Later
Mumbai Indians leader Hardik Pandya selected bowling as his first choice when he won the match toss. Bengaluru started poorly by losing Phil Salt at just four runs soon after the beginning of the match. Padikkal and Kohli took the lead in launching a powerful batting offense which followed their first-wicket loss. During the powerplay period the two batters exploited their advantage by hitting frequent boundaries and sixes against all defenses across the field. RCB became the first team to hit 73 runs in their opening six overs when playing against Mumbai Indians. This score made it their best powerplay result against this team. Bengaluru scored 68 runs to become their highest total ever against Mumbai Indians when Chennai witnessed this achievement during 2011.
Kohli-Padikkal Onslaught
The Royal Challengers Bangalore batting unit managed to score 10 runs or above in every additional powerplay over from the third over onward. Padikkal scored an impressive 20-run total through two sixes and one four as he aggressively ATTACKED the sixth over from Deepak Chahar. Kohli and Padikkal combined to create a 91-run partnership as the second wicket partnership. The pair of Padikkal and Kohli accumulated 37 runs in 22 balls and Kohli scored 52 runs from 30 balls within their key stand. Padikkal met his end when Vignesh Puthur dismissed him.
Kohli’s Explosive Half-Century
Virat Kohli marked his half-century by hitting 29 balls earlier than ending his innings against Hardik Pandya during the 15th over. The batsman finished his inning after hitting 67 runs from his 42-ball appearance which included 8 fours and 2 valuable sixes for a strike rate of 159.52. The top form Kohli displayed yielded his dismissal while attempting to launch an ambitious swing for a large hit.
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