![IPL 2025 Playoffs [WATCH]: Virat Kohli’s tactical brilliance guides RCB to rout PBKS batting line up in Qualifier 1](https://crickettimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Virat-Kohlis-tactical-brilliance-guides-RCB-to-rout-PBKS-batting-line-up-in-Qualifier-1.webp "IPL 2025 Playoffs [WATCH]: Virat Kohli’s tactical brilliance guides RCB to rout PBKS batting line up in Qualifier 1")
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When the stakes are at their highest, experience and leadership often make the difference between triumph and heartbreak. In Qualifier 1 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) showcased both in abundance as they dismantled Punjab Kings (PBKS) with a clinical eight-wicket victory. While the scorecard may credit the bowlers for the demolition job, it was Virat Kohli’s commanding presence and tactical brilliance—despite not being the official captain—that truly orchestrated RCB’s march into their first IPL final since 2016.
Virat Kohli takes the charge on field for RCB in Qualifier 1
Rajat Patidar may have been the captain in name, but it was Kohli who pulled the strings on the field. Kohli’s leadership was visible in every move—whether it was his animated field placements, direct communication with bowlers, or his ability to read the game and adapt on the fly. His proactive approach saw him marshalling his troops with military precision, repositioning fielders at crucial moments and offering bowlers real-time advice that paid immediate dividends.
This invisible hand was most evident during PBKS’s catastrophic batting collapse. Kohli’s strategic field settings and relentless encouragement kept the pressure on Punjab’s batters, who looked increasingly uncomfortable as the innings progressed. His decision to keep attacking fields, even after early wickets, ensured that PBKS never found breathing room. The result? A total capitulation for just 101 runs in 14.1 overs—a testament to Kohli’s cricketing acumen and his ability to inspire those around him.
Here’s the video:
'Captain Kohli Energy'. Enough Said! 😮💨❤️
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
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) May 29, 2025
Also READ: Netizens go wild as ruthless RCB hammers Punjab Kings in Qualifier 1 to seal IPL 2025 final berth
RCB’s ruthless execution and PBKS’ collapse
While Kohli’s leadership set the tone, RCB’s bowlers executed the plan to perfection. Josh Hazlewood’s precision (3/21), Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s discipline (1/17), and Yash Dayal’s clever variations (2/26) exploited the tricky surface, making life miserable for Punjab’s batters. The collapse began with Priyansh Arya’s mistimed drive and snowballed as Prabhsimran Singh and captain Shreyas Iyer fell in quick succession. By the end of the Powerplay, PBKS were reeling at 48/4, their hopes of a big total dashed.
Leg-spinner Suyash Sharma then spun a web around the lower order, picking up three wickets and capitalising on PBKS’s desperation. Even the introduction of debutant Musheer Khan as an Impact Player could not stem the tide. RCB’s fielders, energized by Kohli’s constant input, maintained intensity throughout, ensuring no easy runs and converting half-chances into wickets.
Chasing a modest target, RCB’s batters wasted no time. Phil Salt’s blistering 56* off 27 balls sealed the deal in just 10 overs. While Kohli’s contribution with the bat was brief, his real impact had already been made—guiding his team with the authority and tactical nous of a true leader.
