New Delhi: Virat Kohli, one of the leading figures for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in IPL 2025, has been in exceptional form, playing a pivotal role in his team’s strong start to the season. Despite his individual success, Kohli remains focused on the collective performance, often stepping back to allow other players to shine. This selflessness has led some to question whether his ego is a driving factor in his approach to the game. However, in a recent interview with IPL broadcasters, Kohli emphatically stated that ego has never been a motivator throughout his cricketing journey.
Throughout IPL 2025, Kohli has made it a point to let skipper Rajat Patidar take charge when needed, even adopting a supporting role in certain situations. Reflecting on this, Kohli referenced a key moment in the ICC Champions Trophy, where Shreyas Iyer assumed the lead role in one of their games. “If you look at how things panned out even recently, in one of the Champions Trophy games, Shreyas (Iyer) took charge. It was never about ego. At that time, if I was in rhythm, in the flow of the game, I naturally took the initiative. If someone else was better placed to take the lead, they would do it. It was never about trying to overshadow anyone or suddenly feeling like I don’t have the ability. It’s always been about understanding the game situation, and that’s something I’ve always taken pride in. I want to play according to what the situation demands,” Kohli shared.
The RCB legend also recalled his early years in the franchise, where he rubbed shoulders with some of the greats of the game, including Rahul Dravid and Jacques Kallis. These early experiences made Kohli realize that his game was still developing. However, rather than being disheartened, he focused on improving himself. “In my first three years with Royal Challengers Bengaluru, I didn’t get many opportunities to bat in the top order. I was usually sent in lower down. So, I wasn’t really able to crack the IPL in a big way early on, apart from the occasional impactful knock. But the 2009 season felt a bit better for me. The pitches that year suited my game—the ball was coming onto the bat nicely, and I could play my shots more freely. It was definitely an interesting phase in my career,” Kohli reflected.
From 2010 onwards, Kohli’s consistency began to shine through, and by 2011, he was regularly batting at number three, marking the beginning of his IPL legacy. “That’s when my IPL journey really began to take shape,” he concluded.
Kohli’s evolution from a promising talent to a team-oriented leader underscores his commitment to the game and his deep understanding of cricket’s nuances. Despite being one of the most celebrated players in IPL history, Kohli remains focused on the collective success of his team rather than individual accolades.
