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26.03.2025
**Virat Kohli Commences Preparations for Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s 2025 IPL Season**
Acclaimed Indian batsman, Virat Kohli, has initiated his practice sessions in the nets in anticipation of Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) opening clash of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season against the reigning champions, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), scheduled for Saturday.
In the lead-up to the much-anticipated RCB Unbox event, a celebration dedicated to honoring the team’s ardent fanbase featuring official jersey launches, live musical acts, and full team practice sessions for enthusiasts, RCB offered a sneak peek into Kohli’s intensive net practice. The session showcased Kohli executing an array of lofted strokes and drives, exuding the same vigor and flair that have earned him the moniker ‘King’ of Indian cricket over the years.
A glimpse into the practice session was shared with the caption: “The first look you can’t resist. 🤌🔥Full reveal drops today at #RCBUnbox!: Bhau – The Journey of Life BGM pic.twitter.com/f6KCBsclsf” (Source: Royal Challengers Bengaluru on Twitter).
Notably, Kohli recently played a pivotal role in spearheading India to win the ICC Champions Trophy, finishing as the team’s second highest run-scorer and fifth overall, accumulating 218 runs over five matches with an average of 54.50. His performances were highlighted by an unbeaten century against Pakistan, leading a chase of 242, and a crucial 98 from 84 balls in a pressure-packed semifinal against Australia, during a chase of 265 runs.
Kohli embarks on his 18th IPL season with RCB, donning the number 18 jersey. This season, his ambitions include securing a maiden IPL title and setting numerous batting records. As IPL’s all-time leading run-scorer, Kohli has amassed 8,004 runs in 252 matches, with an impressive average of 38.66 and a strike rate of 131.97, including eight centuries and 55 half-centuries.
Last season, he claimed the prestigious Orange Cap by being the highest run-scorer, aggregating 741 runs at an average of 61.75 and a formidable strike rate of 154.69, featuring one century, five fifties, and an astounding tally of 38 sixes. He effectively silenced his critics with exceptional performances against spin bowling in the tournament’s latter stages. RCB, despite a challenging start with just one win in their first eight matches, mounted a spectacular comeback to secure a place in the playoffs with six consecutive wins.
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