Virat Kohli, the Indian cricket superstar and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) stalwart, continues to dominate headlines in April 2025, both for his on-field exploits and off-field moments. As the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season progresses, Kohli remains a central figure in cricket discussions, blending his trademark intensity with glimpses of personal growth and resilience. Here’s a roundup of the latest news surrounding the batting maestro as of April 8, 2025.
In This Article:
IPL 2025: A Strong Start and a Brush with Injury
Kohli kicked off the IPL 2025 campaign in style, leading RCB to a commanding seven-wicket victory over Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the season opener on March 22 at Eden Gardens. Scoring an unbeaten 59, he not only steered his team to chase down 175 in just 16.2 overs but also crossed the 1,000-run mark against KKR, further solidifying his legacy as one of the IPL’s most prolific batsmen. His performance included a notable new shot—the slog sweep against spin—which analysts hailed as a potential game-changer for opposition bowlers.
However, the campaign hasn’t been without its scares. During RCB’s match against Gujarat Titans (GT) on April 2 at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium (IPL), Kohli suffered a finger injury while fielding. Attempting to stop a boundary, he hurt his fingers, prompting immediate attention from the team physio. Fans held their breath, but RCB head coach Andy Flower quickly allayed fears, confirming post-match that Kohli was fine and had continued to field after treatment. Despite the injury, his batting in that game was less memorable, as he fell for just 7 runs to GT’s Arshad Khan—a dismissal that sparked an amusing social media mix-up where fans mistakenly targeted Bollywood actor Arshad Warsi with comments.
On-Field Fire and Off-Field Reflections
Kohli’s fiery persona was on full display during RCB’s clash with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on March 29 (IPL). After securing a 50-run victory—breaking RCB’s 17-year Chepauk jinx—he was involved in a heated post-match exchange with CSK pacer Khaleel Ahmed. The incident, which saw Kohli shove Ahmed during the handshake, stemmed from an earlier on-field moment when Ahmed’s bouncer and follow-through drew a death stare from the RCB star. While the confrontation grabbed attention, it underscored Kohli’s unrelenting competitive spirit, a trait CSK skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad praised, noting that any match against Kohli is a “clash to look forward to.”
Off the field, Kohli has been reflective. In a recent interview ahead of RCB’s clash with Mumbai Indians (MI), he spoke warmly about his 15-year camaraderie with MI icon Rohit Sharma. “We’ve shared so much—learning from each other, growing together,” Kohli said, expressing gratitude for their shared memories representing India. The comments came as RCB prepared to face MI in Bengaluru, a match fans eagerly await given the duo’s storied history.
Future Ambitions: Eyes on the 2027 World Cup
Amid speculation about his international future following India’s Champions Trophy win in Dubai earlier this year, Kohli put retirement rumors to rest. At an event in Mumbai on April 1, he confirmed his availability for the 2027 ODI World Cup, stating, “Maybe try to win the next World Cup 2027.” The declaration sent a clear message to head coach Gautam Gambhir and BCCI selector Ajit Agarkar, reaffirming his hunger to end India’s 16-year wait for another 50-over title. Despite an underwhelming tour of Australia (190 runs in nine innings), Kohli’s intent to keep pushing forward has reassured fans and teammates alike.
Personal Touches and Public Perception
Kohli’s personal life also made waves recently. A viral photo from Dubai showed him and wife Anushka Sharma posing with a fan, with Anushka in an elegant orange dress and Kohli in casual attire. The couple’s charm continues to captivate, even as Kohli took a subtle dig at the BCCI’s new rule limiting family time on tours—a stance that drew support from former captain Kapil Dev, who emphasized the importance of family support during tough times.
Meanwhile, an amusing internet stir emerged when fans noted Kohli’s striking resemblance to Turkish actor Cavit Çetin Güner from the series Diriliş: Ertuğrul. Comments like “Anushka won’t recognize him because of Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi” flooded social media, blending humor with admiration for Kohli’s global appeal.
Teammates and Peers Weigh In
Kohli’s influence extends beyond stats. Dinesh Karthik, his RCB teammate, highlighted his relentless pursuit of excellence, recounting how Kohli was working on a new shot ahead of the CSK clash. “At this stage, he still wants to add something new—that’s what makes him special,” Karthik said. Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood echoed this, noting Kohli’s aura and his knack for scoring big against Australia, while Travis Head praised his transformation in fitness and intensity.
The Kohli Legacy Grows
As IPL 2025 unfolds, Kohli remains a figure of fascination—balancing aggression with maturity, personal milestones with team goals. Whether it’s dancing with Shah Rukh Khan at the IPL opening ceremony, inspiring kids on the streets (as Navjot Singh Sidhu put it), or plotting another World Cup triumph, Kohli’s journey continues to captivate. With RCB currently atop the IPL table and his sights set on future glory, the “King” shows no signs of slowing down. Fans and critics alike will be watching closely as his story unfolds in the weeks ahead
-By Manoj H
