Royal Challengers Bengaluru made a strong return to form by defeating Rajasthan Royals by nine wickets in their IPL 2025 match held at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur on Sunday. Virat Kohli was the standout performer in the 174-run chase for RCB, leading the team to a total of 175/1 in just 17.3 overs, securing victory with 15 balls to spare.

Kohli finished the match not out at 62 from 45 balls, featuring four boundaries and two sixes. He formed an impressive opening partnership with Phil Salt, who scored 65 runs off 33 balls, including five fours and six sixes, before being dismissed by spinner Kumar Kartikeya, who was brought in as an Impact Player.

In an attempt to pull a short delivery, Salt misjudged his shot, resulting in an easy catch at deep midwicket.

Kumar Kartikeya opens up on misunderstanding with Virat Kohli

Following the match, Kartikeya addressed a minor misunderstanding with Virat Kohli, clarifying that their relationship remains amicable. 

“When Salt hit a six, Virat Bhaiya exclaimed ‘Come on’—I glanced at him, and he returned my gaze. However, after I took Salt’s wicket, I raised my hands and echoed, ‘Come on’. That’s when he turned to me. I assured him that I wasn’t directing anything at him. Later, he extended his hand and complimented me with ‘Well bowled’,” he explained.

After the dismissal of Salt, Kohli formed a partnership with Devdutt Padikkal, who was also brought in as an Impact Player. Padikkal finished the innings unbeaten with 40 runs off 28 balls, including five fours and a six, as RCB reached a total of 175/1 in 17.3 overs.

Post-match, RCB captain Rajat Patidar expressed his delight and praised the partnership between Kohli and Salt. “I thoroughly enjoyed watching Salt’s batting from the dugout. His striking ability, combined with VK’s skill in rotating the strike, was truly remarkable. We always aim to play positively and showcase good cricket,” he remarked.

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