In a fiery contest between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Delhi Capitals (DC), emotions ran high as Virat Kohli delivered one of the most charged-up celebrations of IPL 2025 after dismissing his former teammate and RCB captain, Faf du Plessis.
The moment unfolded during DC’s chase at the Chinnaswamy Stadium, a venue where Kohli has crafted countless memories. Faf du Plessis, making a return to action after a brief injury layoff that saw him miss four games, looked out of rhythm from the start. The 41-year-old veteran struggled to get any momentum going against a disciplined RCB bowling attack, managing just 22 runs from 26 balls with only two boundaries.
With the pressure building and the required run rate climbing, du Plessis attempted to break the shackles in the 10th over. Krunal Pandya, brought on by Kohli with a clear tactical plan, delivered a quicker ball down the leg side. Faf went for the big hit but mistimed it completely. The ball ballooned off the bat and went straight to Kohli, who had stationed himself perfectly at mid-wicket.
What followed was vintage Virat Kohli. Catching the ball cleanly, he exploded in a primal roar, fists clenched and arms raised, as the RCB players swarmed him in celebration. The aggressive send-off was more than just the result of a wicket—it was a culmination of personal rivalry, past camaraderie, and high stakes in a must-win game for RCB.
This wasn’t just any dismissal for Kohli. Faf had captained RCB during the 2022 and 2023 seasons before moving to Delhi Capitals in the 2024 auction. Their bond as former leaders of the same side added another layer to the drama, making the moment both nostalgic and emotionally intense.
Faf’s departure further deepened DC’s woes in what has been a turbulent season for the franchise. Despite having an experienced lineup, Delhi have struggled to maintain consistency, and Faf’s form hasn’t helped. Since joining DC, his performances have been sporadic: 29 (18) in his first game, a well-paced 50 (27) in his second, followed by a disappointing 2 (7) and now 22 (26). The lack of match fitness, combined with lingering injury concerns, has clearly affected his rhythm at the crease.
On the other hand, Virat Kohli has been in blistering form this season and continues to lead RCB’s charge—both emotionally and tactically. Though he’s not the official captain anymore, his influence on the field remains undeniable. His animated celebration was also a signal to his team and fans: RCB are still fighting, and Kohli is leading from the front in spirit.
Speaking after the game, Kohli didn’t directly address the celebration but emphasized the importance of intensity and execution. “Every wicket is crucial, especially when you’re defending a total. You have to be in the moment, and that’s what I try to do every game,” he said.
RCB’s bowlers backed up Kohli’s energy with disciplined performances, eventually securing a crucial win that keeps them in the hunt for a playoff spot. Krunal Pandya, playing as an impact player, impressed with his control and variations, while the pace unit kept the pressure tight through the middle overs.
The RCB vs DC match wasn’t just about runs and wickets—it was about rivalries, redemption, and raw emotion. Kohli’s celebration after dismissing Faf du Plessis captured the essence of IPL: a tournament where friendships are tested, and pride is always on the line.
As RCB gear up for their remaining fixtures, moments like these could serve as catalysts for a strong finish. And with Kohli in this kind of mood, few would bet against them.
