As Royal Challengers Bengaluru prepare for the most significant night in their franchise’s 18-year history, the players are rallying around their talisman, Virat Kohli, in what could be the fairytale ending to a storied IPL career. RCB batter Rajat Patidar, who has played a crucial role in their 2025 campaign, summed up the mood in the camp perfectly: “Of course. I think he (Kohli) has given a lot of years to RCB and the international side also. We will try to do our best in the game.”
Patidar’s words reflect a deep sense of admiration and responsibility within the squad, not just for winning the IPL title, but for delivering a moment that Kohli richly deserves. While there has been no official word of retirement or any farewell from the cricketing legend, the aura around this final feels momentous. It’s not just about a trophy. It’s about paying tribute to a player who has been the heartbeat of the franchise for nearly two decades.
Virat Kohli’s journey with RCB began in 2008 when he was just a teenager fresh off captaining India to a U-19 World Cup title. Over the years, he became synonymous with the team. From explosive hundreds to animated celebrations, Kohli’s loyalty and passion for RCB have been unwavering, even as titles eluded them. Through the highs and lows, he remained a constant — captaining the side for several years, mentoring young players, and consistently delivering with the bat.
This season has seen Kohli at his best once again. With over 600 runs and a strike rate that blends classical strokes with calculated aggression, he has led from the front without the captain’s armband. Rajat Patidar, among others, has been one of the many benefactors of Kohli’s leadership and experience. The duo has built strong partnerships throughout the campaign, and their understanding at the crease has often turned matches in RCB’s favor.
Patidar’s acknowledgment of Kohli’s contributions is not just token praise. It underlines how every player in the squad understands the significance of this final, especially for someone who has carried the weight of RCB’s expectations year after year. “We will try to do our best in the game,” Patidar said, showing determination but also the collective emotion running through the side.
RCB’s opponent in the final, Punjab Kings, is also seeking their first IPL title. But the emotional gravity that surrounds Bengaluru’s campaign this year feels heavier. For fans and players alike, a victory would be more than just a title. It would be justice for Kohli’s unmatched loyalty, his unmatched hunger, and his unmatched service.
As the team takes the field for the final battle, one thing is certain: they won’t just be playing for a trophy. They’ll be playing for a man who has given everything for the badge. And as Rajat Patidar made clear, RCB are fully aware of what this game means — not just for the team, but for the legacy of Virat Kohli.