IPL 2025: Virat Kohli Top 3 Knocks Ranked as RCB march towards Playoffs

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With the IPL 2025 season entering its decisive phase, Virat Kohli has once again showcased why he remains a cornerstone of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)'s success. Under the captaincy of Rajat Patidar, RCB have climbed to the top of the table with 14 points from 10 games, needing just one more win to seal a playoff spot.

Kohli's stellar form has been pivotal, standing second in the Orange Cap race for most runs this season. His consistency and ability to rise in crunch moments have played a critical role in RCB's domination. Here, we rank his top three knocks that have defined RCB's campaign so far.

3. 62* vs Rajasthan Royals (Jaipur, April 13)

On a slow Jaipur track, Kohli displayed another facet of his game with an unbeaten 62 off 49 balls, anchoring a straightforward chase against the Rajasthan Royals (RR). Although Phil Salt's explosive 65 set the early momentum, Kohli's calming presence ensured there were no hiccups as RCB chased down 174 with ease.

Bringing up his 100th T20 half-century, Kohli played the perfect second fiddle, focusing on strike rotation and punishing bad balls. His running between the wickets with Salt kept the pressure squarely on RR's bowlers.

Kohli's innings highlighted his ability to adjust his tempo based on match demands -- there was no unnecessary flamboyance, just a clinical takedown. In a game where fielding errors from RR opened doors, Kohli made sure to capitalise, steering RCB to a dominant nine-wicket win.

2. 67 vs Mumbai Indians (Wankhede, April 7)

Ending a 10-year drought at the Wankhede, Kohli's 67 off just 33 balls was a statement innings against a formidable Mumbai Indians (MI) side. It was his fastest IPL fifty since 2018, reflecting a conscious shift towards aggressive intent from the very first ball. Despite Trent Boult striking early, Kohli launched a counter-attack, smashing boundaries across the ground, particularly targeting MI's spinners with powerful slog sweeps.

His aggression allowed his partners, including Rajat Patidar, to settle and build a mammoth total of 221/5. Kohli's early burst proved vital as MI mounted a fierce comeback later through Hardik Pandya and Tilak Varma. Eventually, RCB defended the total, but without Kohli's electric start, the match could have tilted the other way. This innings wasn't just about runs-it was about setting the tone in a high-stakes clash, showcasing leadership even without the armband.

1. 73* vs Punjab Kings (Mullanpur, April 20)

In what could be described as one of his finest pressure innings of the season, Kohli delivered a match-winning 73 off 49 balls* against Punjab Kings at Mullanpur. RCB were chasing a tricky target, and early wickets had put them under pressure. Kohli, who had historically struggled against Punjab spinner Harpreet Brar, turned the tables this time by attacking Brar early, breaking the psychological barrier. His crisp strokeplay against both pace and spin anchored the innings beautifully.

A crucial partnership with Devdutt Padikkal helped stabilize the chase. Kohli mixed caution with aggression, ensuring the required run rate never spiraled out of control. His ability to rotate the strike smartly and punish the loose deliveries made the difference. With a composed finish, he saw the team home with deliveries to spare, underlining not just his class but also his adaptability under pressure.

As RCB look to confirm their playoff spot and eye a maiden IPL title, Virat Kohli's form could be the decisive factor. Whether through blazing starts or nerveless finishes, Kohli has underlined his enduring value to the team. With the business end of the tournament approaching, fans and rivals alike know that a firing Kohli could be RCB's ultimate trump card.