Virat Kohli, the cricketing maestro, has set numerous benchmarks in the IPL, but one record that stands out is his staggering tally of 973 runs in a single season. As IPL 2025 approaches, with Kohli having retired from T20 Internationals, there’s a palpable buzz about whether he can surpass this monumental figure. Here are two compelling reasons why Kohli might just achieve this feat:
1. Retirement from T20Is: A Pressure Valve Released
Kohli’s decision to step away from T20 Internationals marks a significant shift in his cricketing journey. The burden of leading or performing consistently for India in the shortest format has been a considerable weight on his shoulders. This retirement could act as a pressure valve, allowing Kohli to focus solely on the IPL.
The IPL, with its unique blend of cricketing spectacle and franchise loyalty, offers Kohli a different kind of stage. Here, he’s not just playing for country but for a team he’s been synonymous with since the IPL’s inception – Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). The absence of international T20 commitments means Kohli can manage his workload better, potentially leading to fresher legs and a sharper mind. This could translate into a more relaxed and, paradoxically, a more aggressive Kohli at the crease, aiming not just to score runs but to dominate.
2. Quest for the Elusive IPL Trophy
Virat Kohli has never hidden his desire to win an IPL trophy with RCB. This ambition, coupled with his competitive spirit, could be the driving force behind a record-breaking season. Kohli’s retirement from T20Is might have freed him from some international responsibilities, but it has also reignited his focus on domestic leagues, especially the IPL.
The narrative of Kohli lifting the IPL trophy for the first time could be the stuff of legends. This motivation, combined with his natural talent, could see Kohli playing with a level of intensity and purpose that might eclipse even his previous best. His record-breaking season in IPL 2024, where he amassed 741 runs, hints at a Kohli who’s not just playing for personal milestones but for team glory. If there’s a season where Kohli could channel his cricketing genius into breaking his own record, it’s when the stakes are as personal as they are for RCB in 2025.
Virat Kohli’s journey in IPL 2025 could be defined by these two pivotal factors: a reduction in international cricket pressure and an intensified drive to win his first IPL trophy. These elements could combine to create an environment where Kohli not only aims to break his record but does so with a flair that only he can muster. For fans and analysts alike, IPL 2025 promises to be a season where Kohli’s legacy might just add another chapter, potentially the most glorious one yet, in his storied IPL career.
