Kohli Orange Cap IPL 2025 Hopes Still Alive Despite RCB Loss
In a high-octane IPL 2025 encounter in Lucknow, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) suffered a 42-run defeat to Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), denting their chances of a top-two finish. Despite the loss, Virat Kohli continues to chase the Orange Cap and remains a key contender.
Kohli looked in stellar touch, scoring 43 off just 25 balls. He now sits sixth on the Orange Cap leaderboard with 548 runs from 12 innings, just outside the top five. Unfortunately, the loss also means that RCB no longer have control over their qualification path and must now rely on either Gujarat Titans (GT) or Punjab Kings (PBKS) dropping points.
Kohli Orange Cap IPL 2025 Update: Top Contenders
Kohli’s form this season has been outstanding, and with one league match remaining — against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) — he could still climb the leaderboard. Two players ahead of him, Yashasvi Jaiswal (RR) and Mitchell Marsh (LSG), are no longer in contention for playoffs, which strengthens Kohli’s prospects. 
Here’s the current Orange Cap standings:
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B Sai Sudharsan (GT) – 638 runs
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Shubman Gill (GT) – 636 runs
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Suryakumar Yadav (MI) – 583 runs
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Yashasvi Jaiswal (RR) – 560 runs
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Mitchell Marsh (LSG) – 550 runs
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Virat Kohli (RCB) – 548 runs
Kohli Orange Cap IPL 2025 Battle and RCB’s Playoff Scenario
RCB started their chase of 232 strongly, scoring 72 in the powerplay without losing a wicket. Kohli and Phil Salt were dominant early on. However, SRH turned the game around dramatically between overs 15 and 20, led by Eshan Malinga’s brilliant death-over spell — which included a direct hit, a caught-and-bowled dismissal, and accurate yorkers.
RCB collapsed from 167/3 to 189 all out, losing seven wickets for just 16 runs. Captain Jitesh Sharma admitted the side was “rusty” and lacked intensity but remained positive about their upcoming match.
With this defeat, RCB’s playoff qualification depends on favorable results in other fixtures. They must hope for either GT or PBKS to lose before their final game.
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Other Highlights:
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Ishan Kishan was Player of the Match for his 94* off 48 balls, powering SRH to 231/6.
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Pat Cummins praised his bowlers, especially Eshan Malinga, for turning the match around.
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RCB’s away record took a hit, suffering their first away loss of the season.
SRH’s playoff hopes remain slim but alive after back-to-back wins.
