- By Vishal Pushkar
- Fri, 30 May 2025 02:05 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Virat Kohli Stats: South African batting icon AB de Villiers is expressing strong confidence in his former Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) teammate, Virat Kohli, to deliver a match-winning performance in the upcoming IPL 2025 final. De Villiers believes Kohli, whom he describes as the "ultimate team man," will be instrumental in leading the multi-dimensional RCB squad to their elusive maiden title in the world's premier T20 league.
RCB secured their spot in the final after a dominant eight-wicket victory over Punjab Kings (PBKS) in Qualifier 1 yesterday, Thursday, May 29, 2025. Chasing a modest target of 102 runs, RCB comfortably overhauled it with Phil Salt's unbeaten 56 leading the charge. While Kohli contributed 12 runs in that one-sided game, de Villiers remains confident that the Indian superstar will perform spectacularly in the title clash.
The IPL 2025 final is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. RCB will face the winner of Qualifier 2, which will be played on June 1 between the loser of the Eliminator (Gujarat Titans or Mumbai Indians, who play today, May 30) and the loser of Qualifier 1 (Punjab Kings).
"The first time I saw him on the screen for PBKS vs RCB game, was when he got out of the bus, and I just saw a lot of focus in that guy. That's the typical kind of body language we're so used to seeing.
"And what I love most about this is -- he didn't score runs today, but we still saw him right till the end, celebrating with the batters," De Villiers told JioHotstar.
"The ultimate team man, and he looks very, very focused. Obviously, the job's not done yet, but I'm very excited to watch him play. I have no doubt in my mind he's going to play a big hand in the final," the South African added.
RCB, who was one of the participating teams when the IPL began way back in 2008 with eight franchises, have never won the IPL title despite reaching the finals on three occasions in the past.
"I think 2011 was a really good chance to win the title. Everyone talks about the 2016 season, but let's forget about the past. Where are RCB now? In another final -- 2025. It's closer than you think and smaller than you think.
"So hopefully those little moments will go in RCB's favour, come the 3rd of June. It was around the auction time when I felt like RCB really got the balance right this year. It's not a one-dimensional batting line-up, not a one-dimensional bowling line-up -- there are options.
"I just loved the look of that squad when I saw it come out. They found a way to gel together as a unit. As you can see, all the players individually chipped in at times, and that is a sign of a healthy environment," De Villiers said.