IPL 2025 Final – RCB vs PBKS: Massive Setback for RCB as ‘King’ Kohli Falls for 43

The grand finale of the IPL 2025 is currently in full swing at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. With both Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) eyeing their first-ever IPL title, excitement has reached a fever pitch among fans. Punjab captain Shreyas Iyer won the toss and elected to bowl first, putting RCB in to bat. Openers Virat Kohli and Phil Salt walked out with high hopes, but RCB was dealt an early blow when Salt was dismissed for just 16 runs, courtesy of a sharp catch by Iyer himself.

Kohli-Patidar Partnership Builds Momentum

Following the early setback, Virat Kohli and Rajat Patidar steadied the innings with a solid 87-run partnership in just 10 overs. Their aggressive yet controlled play helped RCB cross the 100-run mark by the 12th over, injecting energy into the Bengaluru camp.

The Turning Point: Kohli Falls in the 15th Over

Just when Kohli seemed poised for another match-defining innings, disaster struck. In the 15th over, bowled by Azmatullah Omarzai, Kohli attempted a pull shot on the fifth delivery. The ball soared into the air, and Omarzai himself sprinted forward to take a spectacular catch. Kohli walked back after scoring 43 runs off 35 balls, including 3 boundaries. He once again fell short of a half-century in a crucial game — a moment that could prove to be a turning point in this final.

RCB on the Back Foot

Kohli's dismissal is being seen as a major blow to RCB’s chances, especially given the psychological weight his presence carries on the field. The team will now look to its middle and lower order to finish strong and post a defendable total. With Punjab’s bowlers maintaining consistent pressure and the crowd on edge, the final promises more twists before the night is over. Stay tuned for live updates and a full match report as the IPL 2025 Final continues.