The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 has been a spectacle of high-octane cricket, and the clash between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on May 3, 2025, at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru was no exception. In a match that lived up to its billing as one of the fiercest rivalries in the IPL, Virat Kohli, the talismanic batter for RCB, delivered a performance for the ages. Scoring a blazing 62 runs off just 33 balls, Kohli not only powered RCB to a commanding total but also shattered five significant records, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest T20 batters of all time. Among his feats, he surpassed Chris Gayle’s six-hitting record at a single venue, a testament to his dominance at Chinnaswamy. This article delves into Kohli’s record-breaking night, the match highlights, and the significance of his performance in the context of IPL 2025.
The Match Context: RCB vs CSK, a Southern Rivalry
The RCB vs CSK encounter is more than just a cricket match; it’s a clash of titans, a battle of pride, and a showcase of two of India’s cricketing giants—Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni. Played at the iconic M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, the 52nd match of IPL 2025 was a high-stakes affair. RCB, led by captain Rajat Patidar, were in fine form, sitting third on the points table with seven wins in ten matches. CSK, on the other hand, were struggling at the bottom with only two victories in ten games, their playoff hopes all but extinguished. Despite their struggles, CSK, under the leadership of the legendary MS Dhoni, were determined to play spoilsport.
CSK won the toss and elected to bowl first, a decision that seemed to backfire as RCB’s openers, Jacob Bethell and Virat Kohli, tore into the bowling attack. The stage was set for a run-fest, and Kohli, in scintillating form, ensured that the Chinnaswamy crowd got their money’s worth.
Kohli’s Blazing Fifty: A Masterclass in T20 Batting
Coming into the match with 443 runs in IPL 2025 at an average of 63.29, Kohli was already in the race for the Orange Cap. Against CSK, he unleashed an onslaught that reminded fans why he’s called the “King.” Scoring 62 runs off just 33 balls, including three sixes and two fours, Kohli’s knock was a blend of power, timing, and intent. His 29-ball fifty was his seventh 50+ score of the season, further solidifying his consistency.
Kohli’s aggressive start was particularly noteworthy. He smashed 28 runs in his first 10 balls, including three sixes and two fours, setting a personal record for the most runs scored after 10 balls in an IPL innings. His partnership with Jacob Bethell, who scored a brisk 55 off 33 balls, gave RCB a flying start, with the team racing to 114/1 in 11 overs. Despite being dismissed by a frustrated Khaleel Ahmed, who caught him off Sam Curran’s bowling, Kohli’s impact was undeniable. His knock laid the foundation for RCB’s formidable total of 213/5, bolstered by Romario Shepherd’s explosive 53 off 14 balls, the second-fastest fifty in IPL history.
Five Records Shattered by Kohli
Kohli’s performance wasn’t just about runs; it was a record-breaking spree that saw him etch his name further into IPL folklore. Here are the five records he smashed during the RCB vs CSK clash:
Most Sixes at a Single Venue in T20s: Kohli became the first batter to hit 300 sixes for a single team at one venue, surpassing Chris Gayle’s record at Chinnaswamy. With 305 sixes for RCB, including 289 in the IPL alone, Kohli’s dominance at his home ground is unmatched. His three sixes in this match added to his tally, leaving Gayle, Alex Hales, and Rohit Sharma trailing in the list of most sixes at a single T20 venue.
Most 50+ Scores in IPL History: Kohli’s 62-run knock was his 62nd IPL fifty, extending his lead as the player with the most 50+ scores in the tournament’s history. This consistency over 17 seasons with RCB underscores his reliability in high-pressure situations.
Orange Cap Reclaimed: With his 62 runs, Kohli overtook Gujarat Titans’ B Sai Sudharsan to reclaim the Orange Cap, awarded to the leading run-scorer of the season. His total of 505 runs in IPL 2025, including five half-centuries, put him one run ahead of Sudharsan, marking the eighth time in his career that he has surpassed 500 runs in an IPL season.
Most Runs Against a Single Opponent in IPL: Kohli’s 62 runs took his tally against CSK to 1,146 runs in 35 innings, making him the batter with the most runs against a single opponent in IPL history. His average of 34.72 and strike rate of 126.25 against CSK highlight his ability to dominate this formidable opposition.
First Half-Century Against CSK at Chinnaswamy in a Decade: Kohli’s 50 was his first against CSK at Chinnaswamy since 2014, a significant milestone considering his last 50+ score against them was in 2021. This knock was particularly memorable for the Bengaluru faithful, who hadn’t seen their hero dominate CSK at home in such fashion for 10 years.
The Match: A Thrilling Finish
While Kohli’s batting heroics set the tone, the match was far from one-sided. CSK’s chase of 214 was powered by a valiant effort from their batters, particularly Ayush Mhatre, who kept them in the hunt. Despite losing wickets at crucial junctures, CSK reached 211/5 in 20 overs, falling just two runs short of RCB’s total. Yash Dayal’s composure in the final over, despite bowling a no-ball, was pivotal in securing RCB’s victory. Lungi Ngidi’s three wickets and Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s contribution with the ball further bolstered RCB’s bowling effort.
CSK’s bowlers, barring Matheesha Pathirana, who picked up three wickets, struggled to contain RCB’s aggressive batting. Khaleel Ahmed, in particular, had a forgettable outing, conceding runs at an alarming rate. MS Dhoni, leading in the absence of Ruturaj Gaikwad, tried to rally his troops, but RCB’s total proved just out of reach.
Kohli’s Fielding Faux Pas
Despite his batting brilliance, Kohli had a moment to forget in the field. He dropped an absolute sitter, allowing the ball to go for a boundary, a rare lapse from a player known for his athleticism. However, his overall contribution with the bat overshadowed this error, and his alertness in cutting off a boundary later in the match earned him applause from the Chinnaswamy crowd.
Implications for IPL 2025
RCB’s two-run victory propelled them to the top of the IPL 2025 points table, all but confirming their playoff berth. For CSK, the loss marked the end of their playoff hopes, making them the first team to be knocked out of the season. The match highlighted RCB’s batting depth, with contributions from Bethell, Shepherd, and Kohli, and their bowling resilience, led by Dayal and Ngidi.
Kohli’s performance not only boosted RCB’s campaign but also reignited discussions about his T20 prowess. At a time when his strike rate has occasionally been scrutinized, his aggressive 62 off 33 balls was a statement of intent. His ability to combine timing with power, especially in the Powerplay, silenced critics and reaffirmed his status as a white-ball great.
Kohli’s Legacy and the Road Ahead
Virat Kohli’s loyalty to RCB since the IPL’s inception in 2008 has made him the face of the franchise. With over 8,500 runs in the tournament, he remains the IPL’s highest run-scorer, a record further extended by this performance. His 305 sixes for RCB, including those in the Champions League T20, place him in a league of his own. As RCB chases their elusive first IPL title in 2025, Kohli’s form will be crucial.
The RCB vs CSK clash also carried emotional weight, as it could have been the final time Kohli and Dhoni faced off in the IPL, with Dhoni turning 44 and hinting at retirement. Their mutual respect, evident in past interactions, added a poignant note to the match.
In Summary
Virat Kohli’s record-breaking night in the RCB vs CSK clash of IPL 2025 was a testament to his enduring brilliance. By smashing five records, including surpassing Chris Gayle’s six-hitting milestone, and reclaiming the Orange Cap, Kohli proved why he remains the heartbeat of RCB. The thrilling two-run victory at Chinnaswamy was a fitting stage for his heroics, keeping RCB’s playoff dreams alive. As the IPL 2025 season progresses, all eyes will be on Kohli to see if he can lead RCB to their maiden title, adding another chapter to his storied career.
Sources:
The Indian Express
India Today
Lokmat Times
Live Mint
Posts on X
