Virat Kohli has made it crystal clear. He is not someone who will take the field only to bat and sit out the rest. During a recent interaction, Kohli stated that he does not see himself playing as an ‘Impact Player', a role that allows players to be subbed in to bat or bowl without fielding.
Kohli's statement came on the heels of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) finally ending their trophy drought. The franchise clinched its maiden Indian Premier League (IPL) title in the 2025 season after defeating Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the final.
Virat Kohli, the heart and soul of the franchise, played an important role in the campaign, both with the bat and in the field. His passion was on full display throughout the season. The title win was more than just a trophy, it was redemption for a team and a player who have carried the weight of expectations for years.
Virat Kohli Says No to Impact Player Role as Fans Compare Him with Rohit SharmaÂ
After Bengaluru lifted the silverware, Kohli made it known that he is not interested in shortcuts.
The RCB talisman opened up about his approach to the game, leaving behind a quote that has done the rounds for more than just its honesty.
"Well, I have an opportunity to play this game for not many years. So there is an end date to our career, as you know. And by the time that I hang up my boots, I want to sit at home and say I gave it everything I had. So I look for ways to improve. I cannot play as an impact player," Kohli said as quoted in an interview with the official broadcaster.
"I want to field 20 overs and make an impact in the field. That is the kind of player I have been. And God blessed me with that perspective, with the talent," he added.
While some teams rotated senior players through the impact player rule to manage workload or for tactical reasons, Kohli was there every ball, making crucial decisions. He rallied his teammates and celebrated wickets with passion.
For a player known for his intensity and refusal to cut corners, this was not out of character. However, some fans believe it was aimed at Rohit Sharma, who spent much of the IPL 2025 playing only as an Impact Player for Mumbai Indians (MI). Rohit rarely took the field outside his batting innings.
While Kohli did not name anyone, the interpretation has snowballed. Social media has picked up with Rohit and Mumbai Indians getting trolled after Kohli's statement.
Virat Kohli's Performance in IPL 2025
Kohli finished IPL 2025 as RCB's leading run-scorer with 657 runs in 15 matches, topping the charts for the team. He was the third-highest run-getter overall.
The 36-year-old smashed eight half-centuries. He played an important 43-run knock in the final that proved to be very crucial in the end.
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