“It Took 18 Years To Feel It?”: Virat Kohli Fires for RCB, Trolls Fans Over No. 18 IPL Title Theory

Cric News India IPL News 2025

April 15, 2025 0 8

Virat Kohli’s stellar form continues

Virat Kohli led Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s charge in IPL 2025 with three fifties in six games.

Batting superstar Virat Kohli has been in brilliant form for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the ongoing 2025 edition of the Indian Premier League. The 36-year-old right-handed batter has already registered three half-centuries in six matches and is currently the leading run scorer for the Rajat Patidar-led side, amassing 248 runs so far.

In RCB’s last match against Rajasthan Royals at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur on Sunday (April 13), Kohli remained unbeaten on 62 runs off 45 balls, helping his side clinch a convincing nine-wicket win.

With RCB putting up strong performances this season, a section of fans has started to believe that the team might finally win their maiden IPL title. Many supporters have also drawn a connection between Kohli’s iconic No. 18 jersey and the 18th season of the IPL.

During a recent chat with Mr Nags on RCB Insider, a video of which was shared by the franchise on X (formerly Twitter), Kohli was asked about the fan theory linking his jersey number to RCB’s title hopes. Reacting to the theory, Kohli said, “Were you (fan’s) not feeling it till now? It took 18 years to feel it. What about 17, 16, 19?”

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Despite the cheeky response, Kohli also appreciated the positivity surrounding the campaign. He said, “I think it’s a good reason to be in a good space and be positive.”

Kohli, who was retained by RCB for ₹21 crore ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction, has added another feather to his cap this season. In the recent match against RR, he became only the second cricketer in T20 history to score 100 half-centuries. He now joins former Australian opener David Warner in the elite club.

RCB will play their seventh league match of the season against Punjab Kings on Friday (April 18). The game will take place at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. Interestingly, RCB have lost both their home games at the venue so far this season and will aim to break that streak.