IPL 2025: Dinesh Karthik lavishes praises on Virat Kohli's form
What's the story
Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) mentor Dinesh Karthik has lauded Virat Kohli's unending quest for perfection, especially considering his intense preparation for the upcoming clash against Chennai Super Kings (CSK).
Karthik said that Kohli's desire to improve and raise the bar is a reflection of his hunger, adding that he thinks Kohli is batting as confidently and effectively as he ever has.
"He wants to just improve and keep raising the bar," Karthik said at the pre-match press conference.
Here's more.
Historical context
Kohli's past performances at MA Chidambaram Stadium
Though the MA Chidambaram Stadium hasn't been a favorite for Kohli in the past IPL seasons.
However, he did score an unbeaten 90 runs in Dubai against CSK in 2021.
This is still the highest score by an RCB player against CSK.
However, his record against CSK spinners at Chepauk is 178 runs with a strike rate of 107.9 across 13 innings, as per Times of India.
Defense
Karthik defends Kohli's ability to handle spin
Karthik has defended Kohli's ability to handle spin by citing his success in major tournaments as evidence.
He pointed out that Kohli was India's second-highest run-scorer in Dubai during the 2025 Champions Trophy and highlighted his recent performances.
"He was the second-highest run-getter in Dubai (CT) and that doesn't come without playing spin. I believe right now he's batting as well as he has ever done," he said
Runs
Kohli owns 1,053 runs against CSK
Across 33 matches in the IPL versus CSK, Kohli has amassed a staggering 1,053 runs from 32 innings at 37.60.
His strike rate is 126.25, as per ESPNcricinfo.
Notably, Kohli has hit nine fifties against the Super Kings with the best score of 90*. He has smashed 76 fours and 42 sixes.
With 8,000-plus runs, he is the leading run-getter in IPL history.
Rising star
Rachin Ravindra: A potential game-changer for CSK
Meanwhile, CSK's head coach Stephen Fleming has emphasized New Zealand's young all-rounder, Rachin Ravindra, as a potential game-changer.
His match-winning unbeaten 65 in their opener against Mumbai Indians showed his growing stature.
Fleming lauded Ravindra's ability to handle spin and his development over the past year, calling him "street-smart" and noting that he could be a key player for CSK this season.