Even the Royal Challengers Bengaluru, who fulfilled their dream of winning the IPL for the first time by defeating the Punjab Kings in the 2025 season final, would be aware of how little they succeeded. Ultimately, PBKS lost by only six runs. Who knows? The outcome might have been very different if Shashank Singh, who was not out on 50, had connected one more. Isn't it true that hindsight is always 20/20? However, RCB won't mind. They had waited 18 years for this moment. Virat Kohli's 18-year wait had finally come to an end.

Even before RCB's triumph was guaranteed, the globe witnessed Kohli weeping. However, most people seem to forget how important his score of 43 really was. Kohli was the top scorer for RCB, hitting three fours during his 35-ball innings. Although Kohli's innings was not quick in terms of strike rate, his effort ensured that RCB ended with a total of 190/9, which was barely enough given the circumstances of the pitch. During the tactical time-out, when it appeared that Kohli had become mired, the whole RCB coaching staff, led by head coach Andy Flower and batting coach Dinesh Karthik, pitched in. In reality, Kohli and Karthik were seen conversing animatedly.

Regardless of the debate, though, it did not benefit Kohli, as he was dismissed the very next over. Karthik was interrogated about his conversation with Kohli when he returned to the Sky Sports podcast with England greats Michael Atherton and Nasser Hussain, who did their utmost to extract a response from him. The discussion went like this.

Michael Atherton: "What I observed in that final was that you took a long time instructing Virat Kohli during the strategic time-out." You were there, and he was at the crease. I saw you indicate to him. I believe he was out the very next over following your five-minute talk. What did you tell him there?

Dinesh Karthik: "This is probably the toughest question I've ever been asked on a podcast." I need to think without being afraid for my life, and I need to respond appropriately. Given that he left the next over, what did you believe I was saying to him?

Michael Atherton: "Well, I don't know. I just saw this man tell one of the greatest batters ever to walk the planet what. What could he be saying to him that would make what he told him ineffective since he is already out?

Nasser Hussain: "I think it's the first time ever that you have no response. You are mute."

This is not the first instance of Dinesh Karthik and Virat Kohli.

Kohli and Karthik had done something similar before. Earlier in the season, during a game against the Rajasthan Royals, Kohli was compelled to reject Karthik's request while fielding. In reality, DK's pleas fell on deaf ears as Kohli clasped his hands. Although no one is sure what the discussion was about, some fan posts suggested that Karthik likely asked Kohli to roll his arms over and attempt to bowl an over if X was to be scanned.

Following RCB's victory in the match, Karthik downplayed everything, saying, "If that man puts his mind to something, the way he adapts, understands situations, I am too small a person to even speak about him." He is a true champion."

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