March 17, 2025: Star India batter Virat Kohli has kicked off his preparations for the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) season, with a focused nets session ahead of Royal Challengers Bangalore’s (RCB) opening match against defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on Saturday.
As part of the IPL excitement, RCB organized a fan-centric event called the “RCB Unbox,” which celebrated the team’s passionate fanbase with jersey reveals, music performances, and a full team practice for supporters.
RCB treated fans to an exclusive sneak peek into Virat Kohli’s intense nets session, where he was seen executing a range of strokes — from lofted drives to perfectly timed boundaries — showcasing the trademark energy and precision that has earned him the title of India’s cricket “King” over the years.
Notably, Virat Kohli was a key member of India’s ICC Champions Trophy-winning squad and finished as the team’s second-highest run-scorer with 218 runs in five matches, including an unbeaten 100 against arch-rivals Pakistan and a crucial 84 against Australia in the semifinals. His consistent performances in international cricket have added to his stature as one of the most formidable players in world cricket.
The IPL 2025 season will mark Virat’s 18th year with RCB, and the iconic number 18 on his jersey will once again be in action as he chases both personal milestones and a maiden IPL title. Kohli is currently the highest run-scorer in IPL history, with 8,004 runs in 252 matches at an average of 38.66 and a strike rate of 131.97. He also boasts eight centuries and 55 fifties. Last season, Kohli was awarded the Orange Cap for scoring the most runs, amassing 741 runs at an average of 61.75 and a remarkable strike rate of 154.69. His performances, including an impressive century and five fifties, were crucial in RCB’s resurgence from a poor first half to a playoff finish, with a six-match winning streak.
As RCB gears up for the 2025 season, all eyes will be on Virat Kohli, as he aims to add to his incredible IPL record and lead his team towards a long-awaited title.