Image credit: BCCI/IPL
NEW DELHI: Following RCB’s seven-wicket win, Virat Kohli and Punjab Kings co-owner Preity Zinta were seen sharing a warm and cheerful exchange near the boundary line. Cameras captured their friendly conversation, filled with smiles and laughter, despite Punjab’s defeat. The moment unfolded after Kohli’s match-winning unbeaten knock of 73 runs, which steered RCB to victory over Punjab Kings.
In a show of true sportsmanship, Preity graciously congratulated Kohli. Photos of their candid interaction quickly went viral on social media.
One curious fan even asked Preity online, “What were you talking about with Virat Kohli Sir?”
Preity responded, “We were showing each other pictures of our children and talking about them!”
Reflecting further, she added, “Time does fly… When I first met Virat 18 years ago, he was a spirited teenager buzzing with talent and fire — today he still has that fire, and is an icon as well as a very sweet and doting father.”
As of now, Kohli is the leading run-scorer in IPL 2025, amassing 443 runs in 10 matches at an impressive average of 63.29, including six half-centuries.
Kohli on Sunday opened up on his batting methodology, saying his focus remains on analysing the conditions and rotating the strike as he scripted yet another successful chase to lift Royal Challengers Bengaluru to the top of the IPL table with a six-wicket win over Delhi Capitals.
Chasing 163, RCB were reduced to 26 for 3 before Kohli (51) and Krunal Pandya (73 not out) shared a 119-run stand off 84 to overhaul the target in 18.3 overs and extend their unbeaten run away from home.
“It was a top win, especially looking at the surface. We saw a few games here and this wicket played out differently compared to those. Whenever there’s a chase on, I keep checking with the dugout, whether we’re on course,” Kohli, who donned the orange cap, said after the win.
“I try and make sure my singles and doubles don’t stop so that the game doesn’t get stagnant. People are forgetting the importance of partnerships and that’s coming to the fore in this tournament to try and dominate the bowlers through partnerships and professionalism.”
It was Krunal’s first fifty since 2016.
“Krunal was outstanding, he can make an impact and it was just about time. We’ve communicated beautifully, Krunal kept telling me to stay while he took his chances,” said Kohli.
