With the Indian Premier League 2025 reaching its peak, Royal Challengers Bengaluru star Virat Kohli continues to hold court with his passion, energy, and reliability. Even cricket giants like Virat Kohli require a stimulus to set their fires going and for India captain Kohli, that stimulus is music.The cricket great recently revealed his new favorite tune to be "Nee Singham Dhan", a song which aptly reflects his fearlessness, never-back-down attitude.

As it is defined by its lively beat and powerful lyrics, "Nee Singham Dhan" is not your typical song. it's a self-confidence power anthem. Kohli, who is idolized for his aggressive batting and unmatched physique, revealed that the song gives him the perfect mental stimulation before walking into key matches or hard practice sessions."It just lifts you up. The beat, the message it makes you a lion ready to attack," he revealed.

ALSO SEE:IPL 2025: Mumbai Indians rope in Raghu Sharma as replacement for Vignesh Puthur

Kohli Warms Up with Music as RCB Targets Important Wins in IPL 2025

That "lion" passion couldn't have come at a better time. RCB is ready now for a series of do-or-die matches that will seal their playoff fate. The fans are eagerly awaiting the explosive RCB-CSK match on May 3 in Bengaluru, a battle that always guarantees fireworks.

watch the video:

Virat Kohli talking about his favourite song. pic.twitter.com/yfYoy511yl

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) May 1, 2025

RCB's Remaining Fixtures:

• May 03 vs CSK (Bengaluru)
• May 09 vs LSG (Lucknow)
• May 13 vs SRH (Bengaluru)
• May 17 vs KKR (Bengaluru)

Kohli has played 262 games so far in his IPL career, and he has over 8400 runs to his name, along with 8 centuries and 61 half-centuries. His dedication to the team is still as high as ever, and fans are sure that when Kohli is fit both physically and mentally RCB is a strong title contender. Whether it's his bat talking or his music mood-setting, Virat Kohli is still the heart of RCB fierce, focused, and fired up.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), in their latest 'Bold Diaries' episode, showcased the story of Suyash Sharma. The spinner from Delhi was troubled for Harniya and played matches with pain. It was the RCB who arranged all the medical support Suyash needed; now the young Indian spinner is fit and fine and ready to run pain-free. 

Kolkata Knight Riders first introduced Suyash Sharma in the Indian Premier League (IPL) back in 2023. The leg spinner bowled brilliantly and soon became an integral part of the team for the season. Suyash played a total of eleven matches in IPL 2023 and took 10 wickets at an 8.23 economy rate. In the following season, the right-hand bowler was almost sidelined after playing a couple of matches where he went without any wickets. 

KKR did not retain him for IPL 2025, and Royal Challengers Bengaluru took the chance. Joining RCB was a turning point for Suyash Sharma. In the recently published 'Bold Diaries' episode, he shared how RCB took all the responsibility to make him absolutely fit. Sharma especially credited team physio James Pipe, who took care of Sharma in London, and said how he used to play matches under pain. He used to take medical help to reduce pain and then stepped into field to play IPL matches.

"I had Harniya for last 2 years. Until two years ago, I used to take injections & play IPL... RCB sent me to London for my surgery. I met James Pipe there. He and his family treated me like family. I had three hernias; I did not hope that I would play the first match," said Sharma in this interview. 

Read More: IPL 2025: Champak robo dog in trouble as court case filed against BCCI and 'Champak' name, Here’s the full story

Suyash made an impressive comeback 

After a downfall in IPL 2024, Suyash Sharma has made a strong comeback in IPL 2025. Behind RCB's successful run in the group stage, Sharma has made an impressive impact in the 9 games he has played so far. The spinner took only 4 wickets in 9 games but proved very effective in the middle overs for his economical bowling, which is 7.97. After a big surgery, Suyash did not expect that he could play in the early stage of IPL 2025. 

"I was told that I would play three of the latest four matches. I had a big surgery. But Pipe and his family took care of me. I am very thankful that I've joined this franchise, and I'm for now," Suyash concluded.

In a crucial top-of-the-table match in IPL 2025, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have given a debut opportunity to England emerging star Jacob Bethell. The 21-year-old all-rounder was promoted to the playing XI from Delhi Capitals (DC) in place of RCB's regular opening partner Phil Salt, who was rested because of a fever. It's a massive opportunity for Bethell, who had been creating ripples in international cricket and now enters the Indian Premier League spotlight.

RCB captain Rajat Patidar confirmed at the toss that Salt's non-availability paved the way for Bethell, and the team opted to bowl first at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi. With the winner of this game likely to reach atop the points table, it's a big-knock debut for the young Englishman.

A Rising Star: Jacob Bethell’s Journey to the IPL

Jacob Bethell is a left-handed batting all-rounder with clean striking, neat slow left-arm bowling, and incendiary fielding. He first came to the limelight when England played their Under-19 World Cup in 2022, impressing one and all with his unapologetic batting and chirpy fielding. His perennial run in the domestic circuit secured him a call to the senior England side at 20 in 2024. Since then, he has appeared across formats, representing England in three Tests, nine ODIs, and 10 T20Is.

Although his recent T20I series against India wasn't his best scoring only 23 runs in three games Bethell's natural talent is still present. In his T20 career to date, he has played 63 games, scoring 1127 runs at a rate of 24.50 and taking 11 wickets.

ALSO SEE: 'Scales are tilted towards...'— former India cricketer predicts which team slightly ahead for DC vs RCB IPL 2025 game

RCB proved their faith in Bethell by snapping him up during the 2025 mega auction for ₹2.60 crore. Now with Salt unavailable, Bethell can finally showcase his talent in the IPL.

High Stakes for RCB as Jacob Bethell Prepares for IPL Debut

Bethell's addition is at a pivotal moment for RCB. On the back of five consecutive away victories, RCB are in pursuit of a record sixth successive away win something no side has ever done in IPL history. With so much riding on the outcome, Bethell's brazen attitude may be just the thing that keeps RCB's run alive.

Coming up against a strong Delhi Capitals team bolstered by Faf du Plessis's return, Bethell will look to make his mark from day one and give back the faith reposed in him. The match on Sunday is set to be an exhilarating encounter, and for Jacob Bethell, the beginning of an unforgettable IPL stint.

While the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are strongly performing in the IPL 2025, English opener Phil Salt is one of their key players. However, he is missing RCB's IPL 2025 match against the hosts Delhi Capitals (DC) on Sunday evening (April 27). Here, we will know the reason for his absence from the game.

Before this 46th match of the IPL 2025, which Arun Jaitley Stadium is hosting, DC and RCB both have 12 points after eight and nine matches, respectively. Currently, the former RCB captain Virat Kohli is their leading run-scorer this season with 392 runs in nine innings with an average of 65.33 and a strike rate of 144.11, including five half-centuries.

See Also: Suryakumar Yadav Creates History against LSG in IPL 2025

IPL 2025: Phil Salt is the 2nd leading run-scorer for RCB

Despite some poor single-digit scores, another RCB opener Phil Salt is the second leading run-scorer for his team this season with 239 runs in nine innings. The English right-handed aggressive batter has an average of 26.55 and a strike rate of 168.30, including two half-centuries. In their match against the hosts Rajasthan Royals, while RCB won by nine wickets after successfully chasing the 174-run target in 17.3 overs after losing only one wicket, Salt won the Player of the Match for his fiery knock of 65 in 33 balls. 

The RCB opening partners, Salt and Virat Kohli, have recorded four 50+ first-wicket partnerships this season, which is an important and powerful stat for a team. So, there is no doubt about the importance of Salt, despite scoring one double-digit score in his last three innings. 

Phil Salt is down with a fever

During the DC vs RCB match in the 46th game of the IPL 2025, after the RCB captain Rajat Patidar chose to field first, he confirmed that Jacob Bethell was replacing Phil Salt. Soon, the RCB skipper clarified the reason for Salt's absence in the game. RCB captain claimed that Salt is down with a fever, so he was unavailable for the match. 

A doubleheader On Sunday, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) is set to take on Delhi Capitals (DC) at the Arun Jaitley Stadium after the Mumbai Indians vs. Lucknow Super Giants match. The match is between the second- and third-positioned teams on the table: DC at 2 and RCB sitting at 3. Both of the teams have 12 points each.

If Bengaluru managed to win the match, then they would overhaul the second spot from DC, and if DC outclassed RCB, then the Axar Patel-led side will reach the top of the table with 14 points. Current table topper Gujarat Titans also has 12 points with their name.

In terms of the latest performances, DC and RCB are both on the same level; in the last 5 matches, both of the teams won 3 and lost 2. Cricket fans are curious to see what will happen when these two teams collide. In the last 5 encounters between these two sides, RCB slightly has better control over Capitals.

Read More: Abhishek Nayar and Paras Mhambrey are appointed as mentors in T20 Mumbai League 2025

In game 24, IPL 2025, at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Patel's Delhi Capitals proved better than Rajat Patidar's RCB by 6 wickets. Phil Salt, Virat Kohli, and Tim David gained some important runs for their team, but KL Rahul, with 93 not out, was the brightest star of the night. Now, who will win in the next leg?

An AI chat box has predicted the result of DC vs. RCB IPL 2025 match

According to an AI chatbot, Delhi Capitals will again defeat Royal Challengers Bengaluru with the help of KL Rahul and a spinner. According to AI, DC spinners can play a crucial role in the middle game, though Virat Kohli can get another 50, predicted by an AI chatbot. 

DC vs. RCB IPL 2025 match: AI predictions in 3 points:

1. Delhi Capitals spinner can control the game.

2. Virat Kohli can play another 50-run knock.

3. DC can win with the help of KL Rahul. 

In a recent open moment that made headlines among cricket enthusiasts, the young Indian cricketer spoke about his close relationship with star batsman Virat Kohli. In a lighthearted conversation, fellow team member Yash Dayal playfully called Swastik "Virat Bhaiya's shadow," pointing out his constant presence around the cricketing legend.

ALSO SEE : Top 3 Auction blunders that led to CSK's struggles in IPL 2025

Swastik replied with honesty and humility:

“Kuch nahi, Virat bhaiya ki dekh bhal karta hoon main. Bhaiya ko paani ya kuch bhi zarurat hoti hai to lekar pahuch jata hoon. Main sabhi teammate ke liye karta hoon.”
("I just take care of Virat bhaiya. If he needs water or anything, I bring it to him. I do this for all my teammates.”)

The Kohli Influence

For young players such as Swastik Chikara, to share the dressing room with Virat Kohli is not only a milestone moment in their career - it's also an excellent opportunity to learn. Kohli, who is famous for his hard work, strong concentration, and fitness, is an idol for most young cricketers.

Swastik's little act reflects the great respect that young players have for their elders. It also reflects the great team spirit in Indian cricket, where performance, respect, and friendship go together.

ALSO SEE : Cricketers who played IPL 2008 and are still going strong in 2025 — Last name will shock you!

Fans Respond to Swastik's Statement

Since the clip went viral on the internet, fans on social media appreciated Swastik Chikara for his humility and commitment to team values. Cricket fans admired his attitude, terming it a wonderful example of how young players show respect to legends like Virat Kohli.

This moment has sparked a broader conversation around team bonding in Indian cricket, with most praising how new players are helping maintain the good atmosphere, both on and off the pitch.

During the IPL 2025 match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Rajasthan Royals (RR), Suyash Sharma's unusual fielding methods caught the attention of many RCB fans. In trying to field the ball, Sharma picked it up with his cap, which in usual circumstances would incur a penalty of five runs for the batting side. My contention is RCB was able to escape this penalty because the umpires had already called the ball dead, which made the action non-offending.

The case in question suggests that the ball was dead on the ninth over. Sharma was fielding as short third man, and by the looks of it, he was attempting to cap the ball. Capping the ball or picking it up with a cap is a violation of law 28.2.1.2 and will not only result in monetary punishment, but the ball will be considered dead, and a five-run gift will be given to the batting team. The difference here is the umpires had already signaled for a dead ball; therefore, there was no punishment.

The on-field umpires talked with the third umpire to verify the events of the game. After the review, there were no penalties, so the game could go on without interruptions.

Suyash Sharma almost cost 𝗥𝗖𝗕 𝗙𝗜𝗩𝗘-𝗣𝗘𝗡𝗔𝗟𝗧𝗬 𝗿𝘂𝗻𝘀, he picked up the ball using his cap, but got away with it as the ball was declared dead.#IPL2025 #RCBvsRR | 📸 : JioHotstar pic.twitter.com/qj3YUtg3DD

— OneCricket (@OneCricketApp) April 24, 2025

Also read: KKR vs PBKS : Match 44 Weather and Pitch report IPL 2025

RCB Clinches First Home Victory in IPL 2025

Not taking the drama into consideration, RCB triumphed at home for the first time this season as they managed to defeat RR by 11 runs at their home ground, M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. Kohli continued his good form by scoring 70 runs off 42 balls, while Padikkal scored a rapid 50 runs off just 27, which helped RCB set a defendable total of 205/5.

Sportsbetting.ag wrapped up the RR innings at 194 and stood at 9 in their 20 overs. The penultimate over was bowled by Josh Hazlewood, who put the brakes on the RR innings when they looked to sail to victory, giving away only one run and taking a stunning two wickets, thus winning the match for RCB.

Having won this match, RCB stood at third position in the IPL 2025 standings after this match, which showcased a stark improvement in their performance at home and hopeful RCB fans for the playoffs.

On April 22, 2025, a tragic terrorist attack took place in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, resulting in the deaths of 28 people, most of whom were tourists, in the beautiful surroundings of Baisaran Valley, commonly referred to as "Mini Switzerland." The attack was carried out by The Resistance Front (TRF), which is a splinter group of Lashkar-e-Taiba, and was one of the worst attacks since the 2019 Pulwama attack and was targeted at civilians. This attack claimed 24 Indian tourists, two locals, and two foreigners, with more than 20 people reported as injured. The global cricketing community demonstrated a rare and extraordinary act of solidarity as players, boards, and fans sided with the victims and their families and condemned the attack on civilians, stood against terrorism, and expressed a united front.

Indian Cricketers and IPL Teams Lead Tributes

Indian cricketers, both current and past, took to social media, particularly X, really expressing their sadness and anger and supporting peace and the bravery of security forces. Virat Kohli, who captained India previously, tweeted, "Devastated with the news from Pahalgam. My heart goes out to the families of the victims. Violence has no place in our world. Praying for peace and strength for all those affected." Sachin Tendulkar, a cricketing icon, tweeted, "Shocked and saddened by the inhumane act in Pahalgam. My deepest condolences to the victims families. India tands united against terrorism." Gautam Gambhir, India’s head coach, demanded justice, posting, “Praying for the families of the deceased. Those responsible will pay. India will strike. #Pahalgam.”

Also Read: Top 3 Reasons why Lucknow Super Giants Lost to Delhi Capitals in IPL 2025 Match 40

Yuvraj Singh called for unity, saying, "Deeply saddened by the attack on tourists in Pahalgam. Sending prayers to the victims and their families. Let’s unite for hope and humanity." Shubman Gill denounced violence, saying, "Heartbreaking to hear about the attack in Pahalgam. My prayers are with the victims. Violence has no place in our country." KL Rahul expressed, "Heartbreaking to hear about the terrorist attack in Kashmir. My thoughts are with the families. Wishing peace and strength." Virender Sehwag lamented, "Deeply pained to hear of the indecent terrorist attack on innocent tourists in #Pahalgam. Prayers for the injured." Irfan Pathan, who was in Kashmir just before this attack, said, "Every time an innocent life is lost, humanity is lost. This pain feels too close."

IPL teams also condemned the violence. Chennai Super Kings (CSK) expressed, "Deeply saddened and shocked… Our hearts go out to the families of the innocent lives lost in Pahalgam." Delhi Capitals (DC) expressed, "Heartbroken by the tragic loss of lives in Pahalgam. Our thoughts are with the families of the victims. #StandAgainstTerror." Rajasthan Royals (RR) stated, "Devastated by the senseless violence in Pahalgam. We stand united with the victims and the families and are praying for peace." Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) wrote, "Shocked by the horrific atrocity that took place in Pahalgam. Our deepest condolences to all the families affected. Violence has no place in our society." Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) wrote, "Deeply pained by the tragedy of Pahalgam. Our prayers are with the victims and their loved ones." These posts... dedicated to the victims and families and posted on X... are a demonstration of the commitment by IPL to unity in opposition of terror.

Indian Cricket Board and Fans Respond

Messages also poured in from international cricketing organizations and players. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) released a statement: “The BCCI mourns the loss of lives in the Pahalgam attack and stands in solidarity with the victims and their families. Cricket is a sport which unites the masses and we are firmly against such divisive, violent acts.” 

Fans from around the globe took to social media using tweets like #StandwithPahalgam and #CricketforPeace and made cricket forums into places of memorials. The attack, which targeted a tourism hotspot, struck a nerve with cricketers who had seen and appreciated and felt humbled by Kashmir that intensify their emotions. It also sparked debates on India-Pakistan cricketing ties, with Goswami’s views reflecting broader frustrations.

Also Read: Heartbreak in Pahalgam: Ritika Sajdeh reacts to tragic terror attack

The Pahalgam attack is a wake-up call for both the fragility of peace and human resilience. In a sport where competition is fierce, the cricketing world demonstrated its ability to show unity and compassion off the field, exemplifying once again the ability of cricket to break barriers and bring together people in solidarity in the face of terror.

IPL Teams that have condemned about #PahalgamTerrorAttack
1- Lucknow super giants #lsg pic.twitter.com/Qmiq2u92RR

— JosD92 (@JosD92official) April 23, 2025

Thinking of every single life lost, hurt and changed forever in Pahalgam today. Om Shanti 🙏

— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) April 22, 2025

Shocked and Saddened! We offer our deepest condolences and prayers to the innocent lives lost in the horrific Pahalgam terror attack. 🙏

— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) April 23, 2025

Praying for the families of the deceased. Those responsible for this will pay. India will strike. #Pahalgam

— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) April 22, 2025

Heartbreaking to hear about the attack in Pahalgam. My prayers are with the victims and their families. Violence like this has no place in our country.

— Shubman Gill (@ShubmanGill) April 22, 2025

'Justice To Be Served': Virat Kohli And Hardik Pandya Condemn Pahalgam Terror Attack, Express Solidarity With Victims
.
.
.#ViratKohli #Hardikpandya #PahalgamTerrorAttcakhttps://t.co/jpCpIBgtja

— Republic (@republic) April 23, 2025

Heartbreaking to hear about the tragic attack in Pahalgam. Innocent lives lost to senseless violence. Praying for strength and peace for the affected families. Let's stand together against hate. #Pahalgam

— Anil Kumble (@anilkumble1074) April 22, 2025

Every time an innocent life is lost, humanity loses. It’s heartbreaking to see and hear about what happened in Kashmir today. I was just there couple of days ago — this pain feels too close.

— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) April 22, 2025

Uber's Reckless Gamble with Travis Head Backfires

Uber India recently released a cheeky new advertisement that features Australian batsman Travis Head, who is playing for Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL 2025. Nicknamed the "Hyderabaddie" in the ad, Travis Head becomes involved in jolly tricks—most famously, replacing a match banner that reads "Bengaluru vs Hyderabad" to "Royally Challenged Bengaluru." This wordplay masterpiece, clearly aimed at Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), was meant to bring some humor and zing to Uber's promo campaign for its Moto variants. But it appears the joke did not land well with everyone.

watch video:

Another mayhem ad from uber, travis baddie 😈 pic.twitter.com/WxrmzxxPpq

— Johnny🦅 (@Swayamkrushi0) April 22, 2025

Also Read:-IPL 2025 Flop XI: Big Names, Bigger Disappointments!

RCB Sues Uber for Legal Action

RCB was infuriated by the ad and sued Uber in a case filed with the Delhi High Court.

The franchise believes that the advertisement damages their brand reputation and is a misuse of trademark. RCB lawyers believe that evoking a parody of their rightful name, for the sake of humor, even, is going beyond the boundaries of freedom of expression and entering the domain of commercial ridicule. The case is being heard by the court as of now, and while Uber is contesting the ad as innocuous humor, the incident has raised broader discussion over whether ads are ethical in sporting brand names. Despite controversy, the ad has gone viral on social media with some supporters praising creativity and others criticizing disrespect.

Travis Head, Travis Head the hard-hitting Travis Head, has been quiet until now, but his playing-on-field acts of valour continue to win hearts. The episode is an indicator of the manner in which cricket and commercials are clashing in a dramatic way. Even if the court decides whether or not RCB has to pay, one thing is certain: the "Hyderabaddie" campaign has everyone's mouths watering.

Former Indian opener Virender Sehwag has come down heavily on overseas stars Glenn Maxwell and Liam Livingstone for their underwhelming performances in IPL 2025. Former Indian cricketer Virender Sehwag lashed out at the overseas players Glenn Maxwell and Liam Livingstone for their poor show in the ongoing edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. 

In the 18th edition of the tournament, Maxwell has been representing Punjab Kings (PBKS). While, Livingstone has been playing for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). During the 37th match of the IPL 2025 between PBKS and RCB, both overseas players were missing from their respective franchises' playing eleven.

Also Read:-IPL 2025: Why is Dewald Brevis not playing in CSK vs MI IPL 2025 match 38?

They Arrive, Have Their Fun, And Leave: Virender Sehwag

While speaking on Cricbuzz, Virender Sehwag slammed the two overseas players and said that they come to India for a holiday and not to play cricket. He made a big statement, saying that players like Maxwell and Livingstone come to India and leave after having fun. He added that there no visible desire to fight from the two players.

“I feel like Maxwell and Livingstone’s hunger is gone. Yeh yaha holiday manane aate hai (they just come here for a holiday). They arrive, have their fun, and leave. There's no visible desire to fight for the team,” Sehwag said while speaking on Cricbuzz.

“I’ve spent time with a lot of former players, but only 1 or 2 really gave me the feeling that, ‘Yes, I genuinely want to do something for the team',” he added.

During the match between RCB and PBKS, the Bengaluru based franchise clinched a seven-wicket triumph over PBKS on Sunday, April 20th. Following the win, RCB hold this place on IPL 2025 standings with 10 points and have a net run rate of +0.472. Meanwhile, Punjab Kings stand in the fourth position with 10 points and have a net run rate of +0.177.