Kohli and Dhoni's Special Bond Shines After RCB's Triumph
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) ended a 17-year wait on Friday, March 28, 2025, by defeating Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the M. A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. This marked RCB’s first victory against CSK in Chennai since the inaugural IPL season in 2008. The win, a dominant 50-run margin, also secured RCB’s position at the top of the IPL 2025 points table.
📸 Virat Kohli greets MS Dhoni after the end of CSK vs RCB contest at Chepauk on Friday. (PTI Photo)
A Moment of Respect and Friendship
Following the match, a heartwarming scene unfolded as Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni shared a hug and engaged in a brief conversation, much to the delight of fans. Images of their interaction quickly went viral on social media, sparking discussions about their enduring friendship and mutual respect.
RCB's Dominant Performance
Here's a breakdown of how RCB secured the victory:
- Batting First: RCB posted a challenging total of 196/7. Key contributions came from the top order and a quickfire 32-ball 51 from captain Rajat Patidar, further boosted by Tim David’s entertaining 8-ball 22.
- CSK's Struggle: CSK faltered early, losing three wickets in the Powerplay, hindering their chase. Rachin Ravindra top-scored with 41 off 31 balls, while Dhoni remained unbeaten on 30 off 16.
Dhoni Reflects on His Friendship with Kohli
In an interview with JioHotstar, MS Dhoni provided insights into his close friendship with Virat Kohli.
- Kohli's Drive: Dhoni emphasized Kohli’s relentless pursuit of improvement, his desire to score centuries, and his determination to remain not out and lead his team to victory.
- Open Communication: Dhoni highlighted how Kohli would frequently seek his advice on match situations and strategies, and how Dhoni would offer honest feedback.
- Respectful Dynamic: While acknowledging their close friendship, Dhoni noted that a sense of seniority and respect still exists between them.
“I still feel we have that line in the middle about the senior and the junior, but we are still friends,' Dhoni said.
FAQs
Q: How long had RCB waited to defeat CSK in Chennai?
A: RCB had waited 17 years to defeat CSK in Chennai.
Q: What did Dhoni say about Kohli's approach to the game?
A: Dhoni praised Kohli's desire to score centuries and remain not out to lead his team to victory.
Q: Has the dynamic between Kohli and Dhoni changed now that they are no longer captain and player?
A: They now have more time to interact and enjoy each other’s company before the toss, fostering a closer bond.