As the highly anticipated IPL 2025 approaches, all eyes are on Virat Kohli and his role in Royal Challengers Bangalore’s (RCB) campaign. Amid discussions about his strike rate and performance, former RCB star AB de Villiers has made a striking remark—suggesting that Kohli is influenced by external opinions.
Kohli’s Approach to IPL 2025 Under Spotlight
With Kohli retiring from international T20 cricket, fans are eager to see how he adapts to the new season. The last IPL season saw him facing criticism for his strike rate, especially during key matches against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Rajasthan Royals (RR). Though he delivered with the bat, some analysts felt he lacked the necessary aggression in certain situations.
As the T20 World Cup squad selection loomed last year, scrutiny over Kohli’s form intensified. His ability to dominate the shortest format became a major discussion point among cricket experts.
AB de Villiers Defends Kohli Against Unfair Criticism
AB de Villiers, an RCB legend and Kohli’s former teammate, came to his defense, stating that the former Indian captain often faces unjustified backlash. De Villiers acknowledged that external opinions sometimes impact Kohli’s mindset, citing how the star batter has openly addressed media discussions in post-match presentations.
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“Kohli has always been aware of the outside noise,” de Villiers said. “He even responded to commentators last season, pointing out how easy it is to critique from the sidelines.”
Kohli’s Mental Toughness and Focus Under Pressure
De Villiers, who has had his share of media scrutiny, understands the pressure professional cricketers endure. He explained that even top players like Kohli occasionally question their place in the team and consider changes to their approach. However, what sets Kohli apart is his unwavering ability to focus when it matters most.
“Kohli is human, just like the rest of us. He experiences self-doubt, but his dedication and clarity under pressure are unmatched,” de Villiers added. “During high-stakes tournaments like the Champions Trophy, we saw how he blocks out distractions and delivers when his team needs him.”
What to Expect from Kohli in IPL 2025?
Despite stepping away from T20 internationals, de Villiers believes Kohli still has plenty to contribute to RCB’s batting lineup. He emphasized that with aggressive players like Phil Salt in the squad, Kohli can focus on playing his natural game without feeling pressured to boost his strike rate unnecessarily.
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“Phil Salt’s attacking style will take a lot of pressure off Kohli,” de Villiers explained. “Virat should continue doing what he does best—anchoring the innings, guiding the team, and accelerating at the right moments.”
De Villiers also stressed that Kohli possesses some of the best batting instincts in the game. “He knows exactly when to shift gears and when to stabilize the innings. That’s what makes him a world-class player,” he said.
Can Kohli Lead RCB to Glory?
As RCB aims for their maiden IPL title, Kohli’s role will be crucial. His leadership and ability to handle high-pressure situations could make all the difference. With a strong squad and a balanced approach, Kohli’s experience will be key to RCB’s success this season.
What’s Your Take?
Do you think Virat Kohli will silence his critics with a stellar IPL 2025 performance? Share your thoughts in the comments!
