Virat Kohli Begins IPL 2025 Preparations, Sweats It Out In Nets Ahead Of KKR Match: WATCH Video

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Indian batting maestro Virat Kohli has begun his preparations for the much-anticipated 2025 season of the Indian Premier League (IPL). On Sunday, March 16, Kohli was seen honing his skills in the nets and engaging in warm-up exercises alongside his Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) teammates at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.

Several videos of his practice session have gone viral on social media, raising excitement among fans.

Kohli, who has been an integral part of RCB since the inception of the tournament in 2008, is determined to end the franchise's long-standing title drought. The all-time leading run scorer in IPL history, Kohli had a stellar IPL 2024 season, finishing as the tournament's top run-getter.

However, RCB fell short in their quest for the coveted trophy, and Kohli remains eager to script a different ending this year. Notably, the last time he played in an IPL final was back in 2016.

Ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction, RCB retained Kohli for a whopping Rs 21 crore, reaffirming their faith in the seasoned batter.

While many expected him to lead the side this season, the franchise surprised fans by appointing Rajat Patidar as captain during an event in Bengaluru on February 13. Despite the change in leadership, Kohli will continue to play a pivotal role in the team's batting lineup.

RCB will begin their campaign against defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on March 22 at Eden Gardens, followed by a high-stakes clash against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at home on March 28.

The last encounter between these two sides at M Chinnaswamy Stadium saw RCB securing a crucial 27-run victory, knocking CSK out of the competition and clinching a playoff berth.

Kohli, who recently showcased fine form in the Champions Trophy 2025 with a century and a half-century for India, will look to carry that momentum into the IPL.

Apart from him, the franchise has high hopes from England's Phil Salt, all-rounder Liam Livingstone, and India's Jitesh Sharma. While Salt played a key role in KKR's title-winning campaign last season, he has been struggling with form recently.

With Kohli at the forefront and a strong squad in place, RCB will be eager to mount a serious title challenge in IPL 2025 and finally lift their maiden trophy.