[WATCH] IPL 2025: In Qualifier 1, Virat Kohli demonstrates true leadership as the RCB bowlers fire against PBKS.

Even though he was no longer captain of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Virat Kohli made a big impact during the team’s IPL 2025 Qualifier 1 match against the Punjab Kings (PBKS) in Mullanpur. He was totally engaged on the field, directing the team’s field placements and giving bowlers approach advice. He is renowned for his intense zeal.

As soon as the game started at the Maharaja Yadavindra International Cricket Stadium, Virat Kohli was spotted encouraging his teammates and telling them to be focused. His lively demeanour kept the RCB team’s spirits high, which was essential in this game of life or death.

Watch Virat Kohli display true leadership in this moment

‘Captain Kohli Energy’. Enough Said! 😮‍💨❤️

That trademark intensity is doing the talking as Leader @imVkohli takes charge & #PBKS are feeling the heat! 🔥

LIVE NOW ➡ https://t.co/B4bnHnppgJ #IPLPlayoffs | #Qualifier1 👉 #PBKSvRCB on Star Sports Network & JioHotstar!… pic.twitter.com/Orq55pcxKx

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) May 29, 2025

From the beginning, RCB’s bowlers were in the lead. The Bengaluru-based team gained early impetus thanks to a wicket taken by left-arm bowler Yash Dayal in the second over. A superb period of pressure ensued, with RCB bowlers hitting in consecutive overs and preventing PBKS from settling.

Suyash Sharma, who spun a web around the PBKS batsmen, was the best player with the ball. He dismissed important players Marcus Stoinis, Musheer Khan, and Shashank Singh while returning with figures of 3 for 17. Josh Hazlewood performed admirably as well, taking 3 for 21 with his fast bowling.

Stoinis scored the most runs with 26, and PBKS was bowled out for just 101 in 14.1 overs. RCB put in a strong all-around bowling display. RCB had a fantastic chance to secure their place in the IPL 2025 Final with just 102 runs left to chase.

The winner of Qualifier 1 will receive a direct ticket to the final match, which is set for June 3 at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium.