Watch: Virat Kohli Sparks Best vs Best Debate Between Former Indian Batters

Before the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 fixture between the Mumbai Indians (MI) and the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the Wankhede Stadium, many predicted the game to be the best vs the best between Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah, who has returned to competitive cricket after missing the last few months due to injury.

Kohli was the leading run-getter of the IPL 2024 with 741 runs in 15 innings at an average of 61.75 and a strike rate of 154.69, scoring five half-centuries and one century at the best score of unbeaten 113 runs.

Virat Kohli’s performance in IPL 2025

The former RCB captain started the 2025 season excellently, thumping an unbeaten knock of 59 runs in 36 balls in the opening game of the season at a strike rate of 163.89, shouldering on four boundaries and three sixes.

However, in the next game, Virat Kohli struggled on the slow and low MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai against the Super Kings with 31 runs in 30 balls at a strike rate of 103.33.

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Against the Gujarat Titans, the right-handed batter started smoothly with a brilliant drive for a boundary through covers against Mohammed Siraj. But a mistimed pull shot saw him getting caught in the hands of the fine-leg fielder, Prasidh Krishna.

Navjot Singh Sidhu compares Virat Kohli’s legacy with Kapil Dev's

The former Indian middle-order batter, Sanjay Manjrekar, addressed that Kohli’s stock was higher in the past, but he is six years out of his prime.

“Virat was the best five to six years ago, and Mumbai is at its peak. The stock is going at a different rate. Virat’s stock used to be higher. So, it’s not the best vs best.” Manjrekar reckoned.

However, Navjot Singh Sidhu tells the story of how his friend used to switch off his television after Kohli’s dismissal in an IPL game. The veteran points out what the individual wants to earn in their career.

“Let me tell you one thing. Whether gold gets crashed or not, it’s not possible to take the focus point out of Virat Kohli. It’s impossible. You may differ.” Sidhu expressed on Star Sports.

“I have a friend, and he called me. When I asked him about the game, he told me that he switched off the television after Virat Kohli got out. He felt that there was no excitement in the game after Kohli’s dismissal. That’s what an individual wants to earn.” The former Indian opener explained.

Virat Kohli faces a challenge against the Mumbai Indians

Virat Kohli has nailed 855 runs against the five-time champions, Mumbai Indians, in 32 innings at an average of 30.54 and a strike rate of 126.85, shouldering five fifties.

Sidhu has compared the Delhi batter’s legacy with the former World Cup-winning captain, Kapil Dev, who made himself bigger than the game.

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“I have seen this before only once. When I used to go to the village, there was a guy. He asked me which game I play. And when I said cricket, he replied by connecting the name of Kapil Dev. So, Dev has made himself bigger than the game. That’s what I am telling you. Virat Kohli has a different peak. How can you dodge the Himalayas?” The former opener added.

“This is my view, and people may have different opinions. But he is the soul of the IPL. I can guarantee that.” Navjot Singh Sidhu concluded.

Best vs Best - ⁦@imVkohli⁩ VS ⁦@Jaspritbumrah93⁩ … I agree it is best vs best , my good Freind⁦⁦@sanjaymanjrekar⁩ does not agree … pic.twitter.com/wzMNodn8Rv

— Navjot Singh Sidhu (@sherryontopp) April 7, 2025

The 36-year-old has smacked 541 runs in 17 IPL innings at the Wankhede Stadium at an average of 45.08 and a strike rate of 138. He can repeat the golden performance in the upcoming fixture.