IPL 2025: Virat Kohli showcases left-handed avatar in nets

Virat-Kohli. (Photo source: Jio Hotstar)

surprised fans and teammates by unveiling a new avatar during the practice sessions ahead of the clash between Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). The veteran batter was seen batting with his left hand at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow.

Kohli has been in terrific form in the 18th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL), having scored 548 runs so far to be placed sixth in the race.

New avatar unlocked 🔓
Left-handed Virat Kohli

📷: JioHotstar pic.twitter.com/qGm1l3kEqr

— CricTracker (@Cricketracker) May 27, 2025

In the final match of the league, RCB skipper Jitesh Sharma won the toss and opted to bowl first. The visitors made two changes to their playing XI by bringing in Liam Livingstone and Nuwan Thushara in place of Tim David (hamstring injury) and Lungi Ngidi (national commitment). LSG also made changes to their side while bringing in Digvesh Rathi and Matthew Breetzke to replace Aiden Markram, who has left for the World Test Championship (WTC) Final.

Thushara made an immediate impact with the ball by dismantling the stumps of LSG opener Breetzke in the early overs to give RCB a great start.

RCB have already secured a spot in the playoffs and are playing their final league match of . They are currently placed third on the points table with 17 points, and will be focusing on a win to strengthen their chances of finishing in the top two, which will give them a direct entry into Qualifier 1.

On the other hand, LSG have been eliminated from the playoffs race but will be keen to sign off their campaign with a win in front of their home crowd.