Virat Kohli Set For First Action After Announcing Test Retirement As RCB Face KKR In IPL 2025 Restart

After a 10-day pause triggered by military tensions between India and Pakistan, the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 is set to roar back to life this Saturday. And it does so with a blockbuster clash in Bengaluru — Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) versus Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) — where the spotlight will undeniably shine brightest on one man: Virat Kohli. The former India captain, who stunned fans earlier this week by announcing his retirement from Test cricket, is expected to be the emotional centrepiece at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. Fans have responded in kind, planning to don white jerseys in tribute to Kohli's storied red-ball career. But if history is any indicator, Kohli will be focused more on runs than reverence. And with RCB poised for a playoff berth, the 36-year-old might be ready to pen a new chapter in his T20 legacy.

Before the break, RCB had surged to second in the standings with 16 points from 11 matches, riding on a four-match winning streak. A victory on Saturday could all but seal their place in the playoffs, and they appear well-equipped to resume from where they left off.

The return of foreign stars such as Phil Salt, Tim David, Liam Livingstone, Romario Shepherd, and Lungi Ngidi has come as a massive boost. Skipper Rajat Patidar, who had suffered a finger injury against Chennai Super Kings (CSK), was seen batting fluently in the nets — a reassuring sign for the think tank.

One concern remains: the absence of Devdutt Padikkal due to injury. Mayank Agarwal, who has been slotted in as his replacement, will have a big role to play at the top. Meanwhile, the status of Josh Hazlewood remains uncertain owing to a shoulder issue.

But even without a full-strength XI, RCB's core group is showing signs