The last time Virat Kohli graced Eden Gardens, it wasn’t just a loss; it was a fiery display of frustration. A controversial full toss from Harshit Rana, a contentious dismissal, and a heated exchange with umpires resulted in sanctions. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) suffered a heartbreaking one-run defeat, their sixth straight, leaving their season hanging by a thread.
Almost a year later, on the eve of IPL 2025, Eden Gardens buzzed with familiar energy. However, Kohli’s demeanor was markedly different. Amidst the chaotic training sessions and pre-match preparations, he found solitude. Instead of the usual net sessions or playful banter, he sat alone, meticulously inspecting his bats.
His focus was singular: selecting the perfect bat. He ran his hands over them, testing their balance and feel. One bat caught his attention. He carefully applied a fresh MRF sticker, taped the bottom, and tested its responsiveness with gentle taps. As he bounced the ball, the cheers of a small crowd echoed through the stadium. He then moved to the nets, ready to face his first delivery.
A minor discomfort with the pitch prompted him to switch ends, now facing the enthusiastic young fans. He rewarded their cheers with powerful straight drives, reminiscent of match-day boundaries. In that moment, amidst the drizzle and the frenzy of preparations, Kohli created a serene pocket of focus, a poignant image at the venue where he equaled Sachin Tendulkar’s ODI century record.
This was a quiet display of dedication from a player navigating a changing landscape. No longer a T20 international mainstay, nor RCB’s captain, Kohli remains a vital presence in a league dominated by youthful energy. He still obsesses over the minutiae, ensuring his bat’s sticker is perfectly aligned and the tape is smooth.
RCB hopes his new bat will replicate his last season’s success, where he earned the Orange Cap and spearheaded a remarkable comeback. Overcoming a dismal 1-7 start, RCB surged into the playoffs, fueled by Kohli’s improved spin-hitting, including the introduction of the slog sweep.
This season begins with a significant challenge: Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), known for their heavy reliance on spin, particularly at Eden’s traditionally spin-friendly pitch. Sunil Narine and Varun Chakaravarthy, formidable spinners adapting to the evolving format, will test Kohli’s evolved approach against spin.
For Kohli, this match is a test of both skill and relevance. At 36, he faces the pressures of a league that favors youth. While he remains outside India’s T20 plans, he continues to contribute to RCB. Though no longer the captain, he provides guidance to Faf du Plessis and new captain Rajat Patidar.
Kohli’s enduring presence at RCB offers a sense of stability in a league marked by constant change. Amidst new teams, updated kits, and evolving rules, he remains a constant, focused and committed.
His longevity isn’t about reinvention or redemption. It’s perhaps rooted in a quiet love for the game, manifested in the small rituals: perfectly placed stickers, meticulously applied tape, and a focused silence that speaks volumes.
At Eden, Kohli appeared ready, not for a repeat of past frustrations, but for a fresh start, a quiet resurgence.
