Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra has praised Virat Kohli for his strong performances in IPL 2025 as the tournament nears its finale. He pointed out that the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) opener has made noticeable progress in facing spin bowling this season.

RCB will take on the Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the IPL 2025 final, set to take place in Ahmedabad on Tuesday, June 3. Kohli contributed a run-a-ball 12 in RCB’s eight-wicket victory over PBKS in the Qualifier 1 on May 29 in New Chandigarh. He will be keen to play a more significant knock in the final.

In a preview video on his YouTube channel, Aakash Chopra discussed the form of RCB’s openers this season. When reflecting on Kohli’s role, Chopra made the following comments (at 3:30 in the video):

“This has truly been another exceptional season for Virat Kohli. The man is a run machine, never slowing down, always hitting. This year, we’ve seen an improvement in his game against spin, and his strike rate looks slightly different when chasing over 200 runs.”

Chopra expressed curiosity about the timing of Virat Kohli’s decision to retire from Test cricket just before the upcoming series against England.

“He’s constantly evolving, and you can’t help but wonder why he stepped away from Test cricket. He’s incredibly fit, and at just 36, he’s still got it. Last year, he said he just wanted to prove he still had it, and Mr. Kohli, you certainly do. You could have continued playing more Test cricket if you wanted to, but that’s your choice.”

In IPL 2025, Kohli has been RCB’s top run-scorer. The reigning Orange Cap holder from last season has accumulated 614 runs at an impressive strike rate of 146.53 across 14 innings this year.