As the IPL 2025 season dawns upon us, it’s not just another year of high-octane cricket but a poignant moment in the careers of some legendary players. Among them, two Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) giants, Virat Kohli and Josh Hazlewood, stand on the precipice of what might be their final Champions Trophy. With their unparalleled contributions to the sport, both players have not only shaped the game but also the hearts of millions. As we look forward to their performances, there’s an underlying sentiment of nostalgia, knowing well that this could be the last time we witness their magic in this prestigious tournament.
Here, we look at two RCB players who might be gracing this tournament for the last time – Virat Kohli and Josh Hazlewood.
Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli has been the heartbeat of Indian cricket for over a decade, especially in the white-ball format. As India announced its squad for the Champions Trophy 2025, all eyes naturally gravitate towards him. Kohli’s form in white-ball cricket has been nothing short of surreal. His statistics speak volumes of his dominance: 295 ODIs, 283 innings, with an average of 58.18, a strike rate of 93.54, and a stunning 13,906 runs, including 50 centuries and 72 half-centuries. His highest score of 183 underlines his capacity to both build and escalate innings as per the match’s demand. However, looming over this narrative is the age factor. At 36, Kohli is approaching the twilight of his cricketing career. The next Champions Trophy is slated for 2029, by which time Kohli would be 40. Age in cricket, particularly in the grueling schedule of international cricket, is a significant consideration. Kohli’s relentless pursuit of fitness and his love for the game might keep him in the fray, but the physical demands of cricket at the highest level, combined with the emergence of younger talents, might make 2025 his last dance on this prestigious stage. His leadership, both in action and spirit, will be missed if this indeed turns out to be his final Champions Trophy.
Josh Hazlewood
Josh Hazlewood, the Australian pace spearhead, has been a vital cog in both his national team and RCB’s bowling lineup. His ODI record stands at 91 matches, capturing 144 wickets at an average of 27.26 with an economy of 4.76. His best figures of 6/52 exemplify his knack for breaking partnerships and controlling the game’s tempo. However, age and fitness are particularly critical for fast bowlers. At 34, Hazlewood is in a phase where every match counts towards his legacy. His tall frame and ability to extract bounce and movement from any pitch have been his trademarks, but the physical toll of bowling pace is immense. By 2029, at 38, the rigors of international cricket might be too demanding unless he manages his fitness exceptionally well. Fast bowlers often see their careers shortened due to injuries, and despite Hazlewood’s commendable focus on his physical condition, the next Champions Trophy could well be his last. His precision and understanding of the game will be a loss to the Australian team if this turns out to be his final international white-ball tournament.
Both Kohli and Hazlewood represent not just skill and success but also the changing guard in cricket. Their performances in the Champions Trophy 2025 could be the culmination of their illustrious careers in this format, providing fans with one last showcase of their talents. While Kohli might continue to play in T20 cricket or even Tests, his participation in another 50-over World Cup event like the Champions Trophy seems less likely. Similarly, Hazlewood’s role might diminish in ODIs due to the emergence of new pace talents in Australia, though his experience could still be invaluable in shorter formats if he maintains his form and fitness.
In Summary
The IPL 2025 season, therefore, becomes not just a competition for these players but a celebration of their contributions to cricket. As they step onto the field, there will be an undercurrent of nostalgia, knowing that these might be some of the last times we see them in the iconic blue and yellow of RCB or their national colors in an ICC event. Their legacy, however, will continue to inspire future generations, reminding everyone that greatness in cricket isn’t just about numbers but the moments that define a player’s career.
