After the IPL 2025 took an unanticipated hiatus that left fans throughout the country anxiously awaiting the return of the tournament, it is finally almost time for the IPL to return to our screens with exciting matches, gripping storylines, and new drama starting May 17. Yet, in all this excitement, it is Virat Kohli’s Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) who has taken the limelight—not just for cricket, but for a tale that has intertwined passion, struggles, and a heartfelt farewell.
IPL Resumes After Undesired Pause
The BCCI released the updated IPL 2025 schedule after a journey into the first week of the suspension and the growing diplomatic tensions between India and Pakistan. Due to safety concerns, the league was put on hold on May 9th, throwing teams awry, logistics in shambles, and fans confused and disappointed.
Now that the political atmosphere seems to be stabilizing, the league is on its way to returning. The first match back? a tantalizing clash between RCB and KKR at the illustrious M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on May 17.
As the tournament reaches its conclusion on June 3, the matches will be played in only six cities due to scheduling conflicts, so only Bengaluru, Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur, Ahmedabad and Lucknow remain. Additionally, the usual home-and-away format is removed, so losing the ‘home advantage’, some franchises may experience more pressure during the final phase of the tournament.
Problems for the RCB camp
RCB has always looked like a team on paper with potential. However, they are limping back into the league—quite literally as well.
Injury Issues
- Josh Hazlewood: The Australian speedster is looking unlikely to return. Hazlewood is dealing with a shoulder injury and is likely to join the Australia squad for the next World Test Championship final, which creates a huge gap in RCB’s bowling unit.
- Devdutt Padikkal: The young talented opener will miss the rest of the season with a hamstring injury. His absence is particularly disappointing for RCB as he looks to have discovered consistency at the right time. Mayank Agarwal has been signed as a replacement player, but what chemistry and rhythm can he bring at such a late stage in the tournament?
- Rajat Patidar (Captain): Probably the biggest loss is in terms of leadership. The captain Rajat Patidar is recovering from a fractured finger sustained in a high-pressure match against Chennai Super Kings before the break. Although not officially ruled out, it is uncertain if he will play.
As a result, RCB, a franchise often described as “star-studded, and unlucky,” is coming off a fractured core to complete the remainder of the tournament.
“Wear Whites for Kohli”: An Emotional Fan Tribute
As RCB reconstructs on the field, the stadium is rife with emotion, and respect is building in the stands. India’s modern-day cricketing icon, Virat Kohli, recently retired from Test cricket, and even a diehard fan base found it to be a shock.
Fans have come together for a unique but heartfelt campaign, “Wear Whites for Kohli.” For the upcoming May 17 match, thousands of fans will wear white, the traditional clothing for Test matches, in tribute to his contributions to Test cricket.
Why it Matters
Virat is more than a player—he’s a national phenomenon. After serving the Indian team for over two decades and redefining the physicality, aggression, and consistency of the game, the retirement from Test cricket marks the end of an era. The initiative to wear whites illustrates how profoundly Kohli’s career has affected fans, particularly in his home city of Bengaluru.
That said, the tribute has not been without debate. Some fans have pointed out that RCB’s identity should still be the visual priority when there are side issues to deal with during such an important game. Ultimately, most agree, Kohli deserves this much.
Virat Kohli’s Spiritual Pilgrimage
In the midst of all this, Kohli and his wife actress Anushka Sharma, were recently seen at an ashram in Vrindavan seeking blessings from Shri Premanand Govind Sharan Ji Maharaj. The couple’s private spiritual outing has fueled reports.
Is Kohli moving into a stronger sense of peace?
Kohli was known for his sometimes fiery character on-field, but his personality off-field has changed over the years. It’s possible for many fans this trip announces a larger life shift now that he is approaching the end of his playing career.
The photos of Kohli at the ashram, surrounded by monks, and the ambient spiritual chants has gone viral on social media. Whether Kohli is taking a pause or ready for a spiritual transformation, his future years after cricket will be interesting to see unfold.
IPL 2025: What is Next for our heroes?
The modification to schedule and pattern means that teams will have less time to recover between games, the pressure will be greater, and there will be certain limitations with logistics. Matches will be more tightly packed, and therefore the availability of players (with specific emphasis on overseas cricketer) will be critical moving forward.
As the playoffs loom, the top four teams need to adapt quickly to this new reality. For RCB, the odds seem long. However, it is cricket – in T20 cricket there can never be a full acceptance of being out of the competition.
Important Dates for RCB:
- May 17 – vs KKR (Bengaluru)
- May 20 – vs MI (Mumbai)
- May 24 – vs DC (Delhi)
- May 28 – vs RR (Jaipur)
If RCB can win even two out of four matches, and if other results go their way, qualifying for the playoffs is still in reach.
More than a sport, the IPL is a cultural spectacle. And this IPL, it’s offering us more than just sixes and wickets. It’s giving us real drama, emotional farewells, unforeseen obstacles, and, most importantly, a celebration of cricketing heritage.
As the IPL gets back underway, the spotlight will be on Virat Kohli—not for his cricketing abilities but for how a legend will be celebrated on home soil, by people whose lives he has impacted in many ways.
For now, Bengaluru is primed. The whites are pressed. The banners are painted. And a nation is waiting to bow down to the King one last time in red and blue
Stay tuned to Club4Celebs for more updates.
