For more than a decade, Virat Kohli has been a shining star in world cricket, showing no signs of slowing down as he continues to dominate across formats, whether in Tests, ODIs, T20s, or the IPL. In 2025, the cricketing legend is marking his 18th season in the Indian Premier League, a remarkable achievement that showcases his unparalleled consistency and hunger for the game.
A Legend Who Keeps Evolving
Kohli’s journey in the IPL started in 2008, when the tournament was first launched, and he has played for the same franchise ever since, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). At the age of 36, the star batter is still at the top of his game, and his recent performances are a testament to his enduring brilliance. Currently ranked second in the IPL 2025 Orange Cap standings, Kohli has amassed an impressive 392 runs so far, proving that age is just a number.
Dinesh Karthik Praises Kohli's Consistency and Hunger
In a heartwarming video shared by RCB on their official Instagram, Dinesh Karthik, the veteran wicketkeeper-batter, expressed his admiration for Virat Kohli’s cricketing genius. Karthik was visibly in awe of Kohli's commitment to the game and his unwavering consistency over the years.
“Just lost for words purely because of the hunger that he has. It is one thing to play IPL for 18 years, but it’s a different thing to be consistent for 18 years. Just tells you a lot about the man,” said Karthik, reflecting on Kohli’s legacy.
Karthik also highlighted Kohli's understanding of the game and his adaptability. Despite a few initial challenges, Kohli never lost his focus and maintained a strong commitment to his craft. His passion was evident when Karthik recalled a conversation where Kohli acknowledged the huge responsibility he feels, knowing that many fans turn up just to watch him bat.
A Masterclass in Action: Kohli's Brilliant 70 Against Rajasthan Royals
Virat Kohli proved his worth yet again in a thrilling IPL 2025 encounter against Rajasthan Royals at the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. Kohli played a match-winning knock, scoring a brilliant 70 runs off 42 balls, leading RCB to a hard-fought victory. Virat Kohli stands in second place in the orange cap race with 392 runs. Gujarat Titans' Sai Sudarshan leads with 417 runs.
As Dinesh Karthik aptly put it, "I’m too small a person to even speak about it. He’s an absolute champion." Kohli's body language, commitment to the cause, and leadership qualities, guiding younger players like Dev and Salt, were on full display, cementing his status as not just a player, but a true mentor for the team.
As he continues to add to his illustrious IPL legacy, Virat Kohli’s journey stands as a testament to the hard work, perseverance, and dedication that defines cricketing excellence. His 18 years of consistent brilliance are unmatched, and with every season, he proves that the cricketing world is his stage.