Overview

• AB de Villiers once urged Virat Kohli to play an IPL season with subdued emotions, advice Kohli acknowledged but chose not to follow
• Kohli’s passion remained on full display throughout IPL 2025, especially during Qualifier 1 against Punjab Kings
• The former South African captain has since said he misjudged Kohli’s need to wear his heart on his sleeve and calls that intensity a strength
• De Villiers praised Kohli’s natural aggression and emotional openness as central to the star batter’s rise
• Royal Challengers Bengaluru will face Punjab Kings in the IPL 2025 final on June 3