Virat-Kohli-and-Shreyas-Iyer. (Photo source: X)
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) outlasted (PBKS) by seven wickets in Mullanpur on April 20, 2025. However, following a match-winning six by Jitesh Sharma, Virat Kohli’s animated reaction towards PBKS skipper Shreyas Iyer quickly grabbed attention.
Less than 48 hours after RCB’s disappointing loss to PBKS at home, the Bengaluru franchise was eager to bounce back and take revenge. And after Jitesh’s six off Nehal Wadhera, turned towards Iyer, and had an animated reaction, showing that this victory held significance after their loss just two nights ago. However, Iyer smiled and nodded, unbothered by Kohli’s fiery display. Both players shared a warm hug shortly after.
Earlier, PBKS posted a total of 157/6 in their 20 overs, with the RCB bowlers restricting them to a sub-par total. RCB’s chase was built by Kohli, who once again proved his brilliance. With unbeaten 73 runs from 54 balls, Kohli anchored the innings and ensured RCB remained on track. Devdutt Padikkal contributed with a 61 off 35 balls, before RCB sealed the victory with seven balls to spare. Meanwhile, Kohli was awarded the Player of the Match award for his heroics. Also this was his 67th IPL fifty, most for any batter.
PBKS skipper Iyer reflected on the game. He highlighted what went wrong for the team and how they need to come back after a short break between today's match and the next one.
"[His body] It's good, it's just a minor niggle. It should be fine after this game. If you see the majority of the batsmen, they love to go from ball one... We are not able to capitalise on the starts we are getting. The wicket is getting slower and slower. Even in the middle phase we thought we could take on the bowlers. Credit to Virat and the boys. We keep talking about adapting to the wicket. Few of the other middle-order batsmen need to step up; need to take the bull by the horns. I'm in a great mind space. Just that I need to cross ten runs. I just need to be free-flowing as well. We've got six days of break, so it's important we go back to the drawing board. It's important to assess our body as well," Iyer said after the game.
