After a thrilling IPL 2025 clash, Rajasthan Royals captain Sanju Samson offered gracious words of praise for two standout performers of the night—Virat Kohli and Phil Salt. Reflecting on the match where his side was outplayed in a high-pressure run chase, Samson said, “Virat Kohli bhai and Phil Salt played really well. They came hard in this run chase. You give the credit to them the way they played.” His comment was a fitting tribute to a clinical batting performance that left fans and analysts in awe.
The match saw Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) chasing down a steep target with remarkable ease, largely due to the powerful partnership between Kohli and Salt. Opening the innings with intent, the duo set the tone from the very first over, refusing to allow Rajasthan’s bowlers any rhythm. What could have been a nervy run chase quickly turned into a dominant display of calculated aggression and expert shot selection.
Kohli, as always, brought a sense of calm and authority to the crease. With his years of experience and unmatched ability to control the tempo of the innings, he anchored the chase while maintaining a brisk scoring rate. On the other end, Phil Salt was all fire and flair. The English wicketkeeper-batter unleashed a barrage of strokes all around the park, effectively unsettling even the most experienced bowlers in the Royals’ attack. His fearless stroke play complemented Kohli’s composure, and together, they turned a tricky total into a manageable assignment.
Samson, known for his honesty and sportsmanship, didn’t shy away from giving credit where it was due. Rather than deflect blame or highlight his own team’s shortcomings, he acknowledged the sheer quality of the opposition’s batting. His comment reflected maturity and the spirit of the game, qualities that have defined his leadership for the Royals.
For Rajasthan Royals, it was a tough night, but Samson’s post-match statement helped shift the focus to what was an incredible exhibition of T20 batting. His words also underscored the growing reputation of Phil Salt in the IPL, who has rapidly become one of the most impactful overseas players this season. At the same time, the continued brilliance of Virat Kohli proved once again why he remains one of the most feared and respected batters in world cricket.
Samson’s remarks were widely circulated on social media, with fans appreciating his humility and sporting spirit. They also reignited discussions around Kohli’s form and his ability to deliver under pressure, particularly in challenging chases. Meanwhile, Salt’s fearless approach has drawn comparisons to some of the best T20 openers in recent years.
As the IPL 2025 season intensifies, such performances and respectful rivalries are shaping up to be the highlight of the tournament. Samson’s acknowledgment of Kohli and Salt’s brilliance adds a human touch to the high-octane competition, reminding fans that while teams may battle fiercely on the field, there remains a deep respect among players for each other’s talent.
In the coming matches, both Rajasthan Royals and RCB will look to regroup and continue their push for the playoffs. But one thing is certain—this particular encounter, and the honest words that followed, will remain a memorable chapter in this season’s IPL story.
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