Virat Kohli, the leading batter for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), is on the cusp of achieving his long-standing goal of securing an Indian Premier League (IPL) title. On Thursday, May 29, RCB will go head-to-head with Punjab Kings (PBKS) in Qualifier 1, with Kohli in the middle of another impressive season. He has scored a total of 602 runs across 13 innings, maintaining an average of 60.20 and a strike rate of 147.91. His performance includes eight half-centuries.

Despite his excellent run this season, there is a concern for RCB as they approach this vital match. Kohli’s playoff performances in the IPL have not been as dominant. In 15 playoff matches, he has accumulated 341 runs, averaging 26.23 at a strike rate of 121.78. During this period, he has registered only two half-centuries.His last fifty in the playoff stage was in the 2016 final.

To help RCB overcome their nine-year wait to reach the final, Kohli must bring his best form to the table. Given his history of rising to the occasion in knockout matches, he is more than capable of stepping up. Kohli ended his drought of fifty-plus scores in knockout stages during the 2023 ODI World Cup, where he notched a world-record 50th century in the semi-final against New Zealand. He followed that up with a crucial 55 runs in the final against Australia.

His role in India’s 2024 T20 World Cup triumph was also significant, where he was named Player of the Match for his knock of 76 (59) in the final against South Africa. In the 2025 Champions Trophy semi-final against Australia, Kohli made a pivotal 84 (98) to help India chase down 265, securing a four-wicket win.

Kohli has consistently delivered under pressure in recent years, and RCB will be looking to his wealth of experience as they aim to make it to the final. His performance will be crucial in helping the team take the next step towards realising their IPL title dream.