Dinesh Karthik Reveals Virat Kohli's Strategy Talk During IPL 2025 Final

A conversation between Virat Kohli and Dinesh Karthik in the IPL 2025 final created a lot of buzz among social media and cricket experts. A few days after RCB won the historic title, former England captains Nasser Hussain and Michael Atherton asked DK the same question that everyone wanted to know—what did Virat say in that strategic timeout?

Talking about the match, during RCB's batting, Kohli had scored 35 runs off 29 balls. The team's score was 111/3, and he was at the crease with Liam Livingstone. Meanwhile, a strategic timeout was taken, and RCB's mentor and batting coach, Dinesh Karthik, arrived on the field. It was clearly seen in the camera that DK was talking to Virat in an animated manner—making gestures and explaining.

After this, Kohli hit a four on the next ball, but in the next over, Punjab Kings bowler Azmatullah was dismissed by Omarzai. Virat scored 43 runs in 35 balls.

Questions raised in a podcast

In a recent Sky Sports podcast, Nasser Hussain and Michael Atherton posed a witty but scathing question to DK. Atherton asked, "I saw in the final you were explaining to Virat for a long time during the strategic timeout. He was out in the next turn. What did you say to them?"

Kartik smiled and replied, "That's probably the toughest question I've ever been asked in a podcast." I am wondering what to say that I can avoid and give the right answer.

Atherton said with fun, "I was thinking—what is this guy explaining to one of the greatest batsmen in the world?" And whatever he was told, he couldn't walk because he got out.”

DINESH KARTHIK's RESPECT FOR VIRAT KOHLI

In the midst of this atmosphere of jokes, Karthik also praised Virat. He said, "When Virat is determined about something, he does it." His way of understanding the game, his adapting—I am too young to say anything about him. He's a real champion.”

Virat Kohli has been with RCB since 2008 in the IPL. From when he won the U-19 World Cup in 2008 to RCB winning the IPL trophy for the first time in 2025 at the age of 36, Kohli's journey is no less than an inspiration.

This conversation may have been in a light-hearted manner, but once again it made it clear how deep the emotional connection of fans and experts is with Virat—and even experienced players like DK do not fail to call him 'champion.'