¡®If RCB loses, this is on you¡¯: Fans disappointed as Virat Kohli¡¯s slow knock in the IPL 2025 final falls short of a half-century
Virat Kohli¡¯s slow knock of 43 off 35 balls in the IPL 2025 final against Punjab Kings sparked intense backlash from fans online, who blamed his strike rate for potentially costing RCB the title. Caught by Azmatullah Omarzai, Kohli¡¯s innings reignited ongoing debates about his T20 approach in high-stakes games.
The IPL 2025 final saw Royal Challengers Bengaluru face Punjab Kings in a high-pressure showdown that had fans on the edge of their seats. RCB, riding high after a series of strong away wins, came into the finale hoping to secure their long-awaited maiden title. But their innings began on shaky ground. Phil Salt was dismissed early for 16 off 9 balls, followed by Mayank Agarwal, who fell for 24. Captain Rajat Patidar also failed to deliver with the bat, leaving RCB in a tight spot. The spotlight quickly shifted to star batter Virat Kohli, who was expected to anchor and accelerate the innings in classic style.
Virat Kohli¡¯s slow knock raises eyebrows once again
Kohli began cautiously, seemingly intent on holding the innings together. However, as the hours ticked by, his inability to shift gears became increasingly apparent. He managed 43 runs off 35 balls, ending with a strike rate of 123 ¡ª a number that once again sparked debate across the cricketing world. In a format where rapid scoring often defines the outcome. The most dramatic moment came when he attempted to break free but ended up giving his wicket away. He was caught by none other than Azmatullah Omarzai off his own bowling, a crucial turning point that further dampened RCB¡¯s momentum.
THE MAN FOR THE BIG MOMENTS ? .
¡ª Sports Production (@SportsProd88208) June 3, 2025
AZMATULLAH OMARZAI TAKES A WORLDIE OFF HIS OWN BOWLING TO DISMISS VIRAT KOHLI pic.twitter.com/vogb9Wm83h
Fans slam Kohli¡¯s strike rate in the final
Social media platforms were flooded with reactions within minutes of Kohli¡¯s dismissal. While some fans praised his intent to anchor the innings, many criticized his strike rate as being too slow for a final.
One user wrote, "Virat Kohli, with all due respect. If RCB loses, this is on you; nobody else is to blame."
Virat kohli with all due respect.
¡ª SK Chatterjee ? (@SChatterjee02) June 3, 2025
If RCB loses, this on you, nobody else is to blame#ViratKohli #RCBvsPBKS
Another wrote, "Poor knock from Virat Kohli. I was one of the first ones to support his knock in the T20 World Cup final because we were 34/3. But this was an ordinary performance by his standards."
Poor knock from Virat Kohli. I was one of the first ones to support his knock in the T20 World Cup final because we were 34/3. But this was an ordinary performance by his standards.
¡ª Anuj Nitin Prabhu (@APTalksCricket) June 3, 2025
But not bad for RCB to have Jitesh in the middle at this stage. Still target 200. #IPLFinals
A third added, "Virat Kohli's 43 (35) at 122.86 SR will be seen as a match-losing knock if RCB doesn't win. Was expecting him to accelerate after the fifty."
Virat Kohli's 43 (35) at 122.86 SR will be seen as a match losing knock if RCB doesn't win.
¡ª Sameer Allana (@HitmanCricket) June 3, 2025
Was expecting him to accelerate after the fifty.
A fourth mentioned, "Well virat kohli has played one of the worst IPL final innings that I can remember. Transferred full pressure on everyone else to attack and then did not even carry his bat till the end. RCB winning or losing this match will not change this fact."
Well virat kohli has played one of the worst IPL final innings that I can remember. Transferred full pressure on everyone else to attack and then did not even carry his bat till the end. RCB winning or losing this match will not change this fact#IPLFinal #Virat
¡ª Akshit Dube (@akshit_dube) June 3, 2025
"Virat Kohli, such a brilliant batsman that no bowler can outsmart him so he gifts them the wicket every time by doing insanely foolish things," one disappointed X user wrote.
Virat Kohli, such a brilliant batsman that no bowler can outsmart him so he gifts them the wicket every time by doing insanely foolish things
¡ª Ankita (@googolplexiant) June 3, 2025
Notably, this isn¡¯t the first time Virat Kohli¡¯s strike rate has become a topic of concern. Throughout recent IPL seasons, especially in key matches, his tendency to play conservatively has invited criticism. While anchoring an innings can be valuable, many fans and analysts argue that modern T20 cricket requires more aggressive intent, particularly from top-order batters in knockout games.
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