It may have been Rajat Patidar leading Royal Challengers Bengaluru on paper but anyone watching Qualifier 1 against Punjab Kings saw just one true leader on the field - Virat Kohli.
The former RCB captain was at the heart of his team's strategy as they dismantled PBKS with a clinical eight-wicket win in Mullanpur to book their place in the IPL final for the first time since 2016.
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RCB’s bowlers were exceptional but it was Kohli’s presence - directing fielders, guiding bowlers and orchestrating moves with precision that stole the show. Kohli’s tactical actions was hard to miss in the game and it played a decisive role in Punjab’s batting collapse.
Virat Kohli commands the field as RCB crush PBKS to reach final
Though not officially captaining - Kohli was clearly in charge on the field. He repositioned fielders, called out angles and was in constant communication with the bowlers.
His involvement was strategic and it paid off in the most emphatic way.
'Captain Kohli Energy'. Enough Said! 😮💨❤️
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) May 29, 2025
That trademark intensity is doing the talking as Leader @imVkohli takes charge & #PBKS are feeling the heat! 🔥
LIVE NOW ➡ https://t.co/B4bnHnppgJ #IPLPlayoffs | #Qualifier1 👉 #PBKSvRCB on Star Sports Network & JioHotstar!… pic.twitter.com/Orq55pcxKx
Punjab Kings’ decision to go hard from the start backfired badly. On a surface offering bounce and movement, Josh Hazlewood (3/21), Bhuvneshwar Kumar (1/17) and Yash Dayal (2/26) made early breakthroughs.
The pressure only mounted as Kohli tightened the field. The top order collapsed quickly.
Priyansh Arya was caught off Dayal, Prabhsimran Singh edged one to the keeper and skipper Shreyas Iyer got dismissed trying to slog Hazlewood. PBKS were down to 48/4 in the Powerplay and never recovered.
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Suyash Sharma cleaned up the tail with 3/17, including the wicket of debutant Musheer Khan.
Phil Salt seals it for RCB
With the target just 102, RCB's chase was fairly easy. Phil Salt’s unbeaten 56 off 27 balls ensured a swift finish in only 10 overs.
Kohli scored just 12 with the bat but his work was already done. Punjab will get another shot at redemption.
They will face the winner of the Eliminator between Gujarat Titans and Mumbai Indians for a place in the final.