Pic Credit: IPL/Jiostar
Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra had high praise for Virat Kohli after his calm and composed performance in RCB’s win against Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2025. Chopra highlighted how Kohli played a mature and selfless innings, putting the team first and letting his opening partner Phil Salt take the lead during the chase.
In Match 28 on Sunday, April 13, held in Jaipur, RCB bowled first and restricted RR to 173/4. When it was time to chase, Kohli anchored the innings with an unbeaten 62 off 45 balls, while Salt went on an aggressive spree. The two helped RCB cruise to a nine-wicket victory with 15 balls to spare.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Aakash Chopra appreciated how Kohli put his ego aside, played second fiddle to Salt, and focused on finishing the job for his team. It was a perfect example of experience and teamwork coming together in a solid win for RCB.
“Virat Kohli – you have to complement each other. You move together, but you don’t need to be alike. I agree that everyone must hit when you are batting first and you feel the pitch is good, as even 245 runs are being chased these days. However, when you are chasing a 174-run target, Virat Kohli said he would play steadily if Phil Salt was hitting at the other end,” Chopra said
“He doesn’t let ego come in between. The best thing I like about Virat Kohli’s cricket is that he keeps his ego aside when he comes to bat. He keeps in mind what he needs to do according to where his team needs to reach, that he would take his team right across the line. 100 T20 fifties, and he has also equaled David Warner in the IPL,” he added.
