Virat Kohli Vs Shreyas Iyer: IPL Playoffs Stats Comparison Ahead Of RCB vs PBKS Match

Virat Kohli vs Shreyas Iyer IPL playoff record [Source: @iplt20.com]

When the spotlight is at its brightest, the pressure at its peak and the trophy just a couple of games away, you find out who has got nerves of steel and who is just riding the wave. Punjab Kings and Royal Challengers Bengaluru will clash in the all-important Qualifier 1 at Mullanpur on Thursday, May 29 and all eyes will be on two batters: Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer.

Both have been the backbone of their sides this season. Both have led from the front with the bat. But the playoffs? That is a different kettle of fish.

Let’s compare their playoff record, their current form and what exactly they need to do to take their teams to the promised land: the IPL 2025 final.

Virat Kohli's Record In IPL Playoffs

Virat Kohli’s resume in IPL playoffs doesn’t do justice to his stature. Despite playing 15 playoff matches from 2009 to 2024, the RCB icon has struggled to bring the house down when it counts the most.

On paper, it’s average. In a tournament where legends are made in May, Kohli’s playoff numbers tell a story of unfulfilled promise. Just two fifties in all those games. No big hundreds. No knockout innings that fans still talk about.

That is not to say he can’t. In fact, this year might be his best shot. He is coming into this clash as RCB’s top scorer with 602 runs in 13 matches to go with 8 fifties and a strike rate of 147.91. He has looked hungry. And if there was ever a time to break the curse, it is now.

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Shreyas Iyer Record In IPL Playoffs

Shreyas Iyer might not have the cult following of Kohli but when it comes to playoff cricket, he has walked the talk. From his Delhi Capitals days to guiding KKR to a title win in 2024 to now leading Punjab Kings, Iyer has shown he doesn’t get cold feet when the heat is on.

His average tells the tale. 42.80 in high-stakes games is nothing to scoff at. He plays calculated cricket, paces his innings well and knows how to absorb pressure. 

In the ongoing IPL 2025 too, he has led from the front with 514 runs in 14 games at a mind-blowing strike rate of 171.90 with five fifties. Iyer has been Punjab Kings’ anchor and accelerator, all in one.

What Virat Kohli Needs To Do To Take RCB To The Final?

Virat has done the heavy lifting all season, but this is the time to put the foot on the throat. RCB’s batting has been a one-man show at times in the playoffs and if Kohli doesn’t fire at the top, the team tends to wobble. He has to:

• Convert start into a big score: A 30 won’t cut it here.
• Target PBKS spinners: Especially in the middle overs.
• Bat deep: Kohli batting till 18th-19th over = RCB in the final.

If he can roll out a vintage knock like his 2016 specials, RCB fans might finally get that elusive final ticket after 9 long years.

What Shreyas Iyer Needs To Do To Take PBKS To The Final?

For PBKS, Iyer is not just a batter, he is the glue. And with a batting line-up that has a tendency to throw it away under pressure, Iyer’s calmness will be key. He must:

• Play the anchor: Let Josh Inglis, Priyansh Arya and Co. tee off.
• Stay till the end if chasing: His finishing ability could be the decider.
• Tactically captain: Rotate bowlers well, especially vs Kohli, Rajat Patidar and Jitesh Sharma.

If he plays the situation smartly, PBKS could well be one step away from lifting their first-ever IPL trophy.

Conclusion

Kohli has got the legacy. Iyer has got the numbers. But legacies don’t win knockout games, performance on the day does. 

Come Thursday, we will find out who holds their nerve. Will Kohli finally unleash a playoff masterclass? Or will Iyer continue his reputation as Mr. Dependable in pressure games? Only time will tell but the PBKS vs RCB IPL 2025 Qualifier 1 is going to be a fascinating contest.

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