After leading Royal Challengers Bengaluru to their first-ever IPL title, Virat Kohli made headlines off the field too — by taking a clear stand on the controversial Impact Player rule. In a post-match chat with Matthew Hayden, Kohli declared that he cannot imagine being used as an impact substitute.
“I want to field 20 overs and make an impact in the field. That is the kind of player I’ve always been,” said Kohli.
“I cannot play as an impact player. That’s not who I am.”
This statement has gone viral, especially as Rohit Sharma, one of IPL’s biggest names, was frequently used as an Impact Player by Mumbai Indians throughout IPL 2025 — meaning he often batted but didn’t field.
‘Did Kohli Just Cook Rohit?’ — Fans React Online
Kohli’s comment — though not aimed directly at anyone — sparked a meme fest and fierce debate on social media. The question on everyone’s mind: Was Kohli throwing shade at Rohit Sharma?
Fans drew comparisons immediately, noting that Kohli played every game in full, while Rohit, despite being MI’s second-highest run-scorer of all time, remained on the bench for most of the season’s fielding innings.
‘He Deserved This’: RCB Players on Winning It for Kohli
Beyond the rule debate, the RCB camp echoed a single sentiment — this title was for Kohli.
“Virat Kohli deserved it more than anyone else,” said skipper Rajat Patidar.
“It’s a great learning to captain Kohli. All the fans who waited years deserve this moment too.”
Kohli, who scored 43 runs in the final and ended the season as RCB’s top scorer, has now won every major title — a World Cup, a Champions Trophy, a T20 World Cup, and finally, the IPL.
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