Mullanpur: Virat Kohli wears his heart on his sleeve, and once again, he showed why he remains the heartbeat of Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Following RCB’s dominant eight-wicket win over Punjab Kings in Qualifier 1, Kohli’s simple gesture of "just one more to go" said it all. One more step stands between RCB and their maiden IPL title.

Could this finally be the year RCB breaks their title drought? Could Kohli lift the elusive trophy that has slipped away from him for so long? All eyes now turn to June 3 in Ahmedabad for the final answer.

Kohli has once again led the charge for RCB in IPL 2025, emerging as their leading run-scorer and setting the tone with his sheer will and intensity. On Thursday night, his aggression and passion on the field were a reminder of his glory days as captain. He celebrated each wicket with emotion, thumped the RCB badge, and sprinted in from the boundary to join every celebration. He looked like a man possessed — a warrior chasing a dream he has held for over a decade.

Even without the official captain’s title, Kohli remains RCB’s tactical leader on the field. He was constantly in communication with the bowlers, guiding the field placements, and keeping the energy alive. His presence was magnetic — a growl here, a stare there — all speaking louder than words.

RCB's pace attack, featuring Josh Hazlewood, Yash Dayal, and Bhuvneshwar Kumar, rose to the occasion, but it was Kohli's leadership and presence that kept the fire burning. Hazlewood described it best when he said, "Virat's always up and about in the field."

Physically, Kohli continues to defy age with incredible stamina and athleticism. Under the blazing sun, he patrolled the field tirelessly, proving he is still among the fittest in the game.

However, Kohli’s familiar vulnerability outside the off-stump did surface again. On a lively pitch, a delivery with extra bounce found his edge — a dismissal similar to those that troubled him during his Test career in Australia. But the final in Ahmedabad will be played on a batting-friendly surface at the Narendra Modi Stadium, giving Kohli a better platform to shine.

As the tournament builds towards its grand finale, the stage is set for Kohli to script the perfect ending — to guide RCB to their first IPL title and achieve personal redemption in front of over one hundred thousand fans. This could well be the "last dance" of one of cricket’s greatest icons.

All eyes are now on June 3.