Crown Still Missing: Is Kohli’s IPL Curse Alive in 2025?

Virat Kohli is one of the greatest stars in IPL history, but to this day, he still hasn’t won an IPL championship.

As a result, Virat Kohli is often criticized by fans or accused of being unable to lead the team. This article breaks down: Why hasn't Kohli won an IPL title? Can RCB and Kohli finally break this championship curse?

Virat Kohli – IPL Career Records

Virat Kohli has been with RCB since the IPL was founded in 2008—over 17 years now. During this time, he has achieved some truly incredible milestones that fans find hard to believe. However, one well-known regret remains: Virat Kohli has never won an IPL trophy.

King Kohli IPL Records

Virat Kohli is the highest run-scorer in IPL history, with over 8,000 runs to his name. He is known for his consistent performance and exceptional batting technique. In the 2016 season, he set the record for the most runs in a single IPL season—973 runs—a milestone that remains unbroken to this day.

He has scored 8 centuries and over 56 half-centuries, proving his strength as a top-class batsman.

Virat Kohli’s performance in the Indian team

Virat Kohli is one of the greatest cricketers these days. Since making his debut for India in 2008, he quickly became a key pillar of the team. He is known for his consistent batting performances, high concentration levels and unwavering passion, and exceptional game control.

International Performance Overview (as of 2024):

• Test Matches:
  • Matches Played: 113
  • Total Runs: 8,848
  • Centuries：29
  • Batting Average: 49.15
  • Highest Score: 254*
• ODI:
  • Matches Played: 292
  • Total Runs: 13,848
  • Centuries: 50 (surpassing Sachin Tendulkar's record)
  • Batting Average: 58.67
  • Highest Score: 183
• T20 Internationals (T20I):
  • Matches Played: 117
  • Total Runs: 4,008
  • Centuries: 1
  • Batting Average: 52.73
  • Highest Score: 122*

Virat Kohli’s performance in international matches can only be described as legendary. During his time as captain of the Indian team, the win rate in Tests, ODIs, and T20Is was nearly 60%. However, despite that, he was never able to lead the team to a major championship title, which led to criticism from many fans.

So, what do you think—Is Virat Kohli a legendary player, or just not a good captain?

Why hasn't Kohli won IPL title?

People often criticize Virat Kohli for leading RCB for 17 years without winning a single IPL title. Sure, RCB has made it to the playoffs many times, but they always fall at the last hurdle.

But is it really all his fault? Why hasn’t Kohli been able to win the IPL with RCB?

RCB’s long-term team imbalance

For years, RCB has had a strong batting lineup but a weak bowling attack. Their bowling unit has rarely been complete, putting extra pressure on the batters to score heavily, leaving little room for error.

Even though Virat Kohli is a top-tier batsman, the team has often suffered heavy defeats due to this imbalance.

RCB’s Overreliance on Star Players

RCB’s batting lineup has long depended heavily on the performance of its star players — for example, the once-powerful top three of Kohli, AB de Villiers, and Chris Gayle.

However, if they faced elite bowlers or all three failed to perform on a given day, the rest of the batting lineup lacked the strength to turn things around.

Leadership Pressure

Kohli served as RCB captain from 2013 until stepping down in 2021. In 2025, he returned to lead the team once again. Over the years, internal conflicts have occasionally surfaced within the team, adding to the immense pressure on leadership.

Kohli has even publicly criticized his teammates after matches, suggesting that he is not leadership material.

Underperform in Crucial Matches

RCB has fallen short in the final three times — in 2009, 2011, and 2016. Since Kohli took over as captain, the team has only reached the final once. This highlights RCB’s tendency to underperform in crucial matches, largely due to their obvious weaknesses — particularly, Virat Kohli himself.

While Kohli is RCB’s strongest weapon, he’s also their biggest vulnerability. If opponents manage to contain him, the team’s chances of winning drop significantly.

Management and strategy issues

xRCB’s management may be one of the key reasons why both the team and Virat Kohli have yet to win an IPL title. Their player selection strategy has often resulted in a top-heavy lineup, failing to achieve the right balance throughout the squad.

This imbalance frequently makes Virat Kohli the main target for opponents. Additionally, the team’s bowling strength has consistently struggled to improve.

Can RCB & Kohli win the IPL trophy in 2025?

Yes — RCB and Kohli do have a chance to win the IPL title in 2025.

However, it will require the entire squad to maintain consistent form throughout the season. One of the key players to watch is Liam Livingstone, who fills a crucial gap in RCB’s middle order and can also contribute with the ball.

Unfortunately, Livingstone’s performance has been quite inconsistent in recent years. The only season he played a full 14 matches was in 2022. Still, he has already appeared in 6 matches this year and has provided RCB with much-needed power hitting and bowling support."

On the bowling side, RCB has the support of Josh Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar, both maintaining an average of around 25 so far this season — a sign of impressive consistency.

With such performances, RCB has a strong chance of securing a playoff spot in the 2025 IPL.

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