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On June 3, 2025, Virat Kohli struggled to hold back tears as Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) inched closer to victory in the final over of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. Kohli's long wait for the coveted IPL trophy at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, a venue where he cried when India lost the ODI World Cup 2023 final to Australia. The 36-year-old Kohli was overwhelmed with emotions when he was asked about his IPL future and the possibility of playing as an impact player. Kohli said he wants to be involved for the entirety of the match and can't see himself playing as an impact player.
"I can't play as an impact player, I want to feel 20 overs and make an impact in the field. That's the kind of player I have been. And God's blessed me with that perspective, with the talent. And then you find different ways to help the team," Kohli said after the six-run win over Punjab Kings (PBKS).
"What ABD has done for the franchise is tremendous, told him 'this win is as much yours as it is ours. I want you to celebrate with us'. He's been the 'Player Of The Match' most times in the franchise despite being retired for four years," Kohli told former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) opener and broadcaster Matthew Hayden.
"Tells you the impact he's had on the league, team and me. He deserves to be on the podium, lifting the Cup."
Kohli's IPL 2025 statistics
Kohli finished the season as the third highest run-scorer. He scored 657 runs from 15 innings at an average of 54.75, including eight half-centuries. His strike rate was 144.71. In the final, he struggled to hit boundaries. He scored 43 runs from 35 balls, including three fours. In the 15th over, he lost his wicket to Afghan pacer Azmatullah Omarzai.
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