On Wednesday, April 2, in Match 14 of the 2025 Indian Premier League between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Gujarat Titans, Virat Kohli was struck hard on the hand while attempting to block a slog-sweep from Sai Sudharsan. Krunal Pandya’s faster delivery was viciously smashed in the deep towards Kohli.
On the half-volley, Kohli, who was positioned at deep midwicket, tried to block the ball from reaching the boundary. But the ball skidded off the grass and was ultimately diverted off Kohli’s fingertips and onto the barrier. As the physiotherapists worked on him, the former RCB captain appeared to be in a lot of discomfort and was on his knees.
The play paused for a long time before it started up again. Virat Kohli boldly continued to play after being treated. After the 12th over, which saw 17 runs overall, was over, GT was comfortably positioned at 105/1.
The GT, captained by Shubman Gill, had won the toss earlier in the evening and had put the hosts to bat first. After scoring seven runs, Kohli left. On the fourth delivery of the second over, Arshad Khan, who had replaced Kagiso Rabada, removed the star RCB batsman. At deep backward square leg, Prasidh was pulled a short delivery.
With 13 deliveries remaining, GT secured victory by eight wickets. Impact Player Sherfane Rutherford and wicketkeeper-batter Jos Buttler both had spectacular finishes to the game. With 73* off 39 deliveries and 30* off 18 deliveries, respectively, the two finished undefeated. After defeating the Chennai Super Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders in their opening two IPL 2025 matches, this was RCB’s first defeat.
