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Ahead of the highly anticipated IPL 2025 clash between Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at Chepauk, former cricketer AB de Villiers reached out to his ex-teammate Virat Kohli with an encouraging message. De Villiers, known for his remarkable career, has expressed confidence in Kohli’s ability to lead RCB to a victorious performance against CSK.

De Villiers noted Kohli’s formidable track record against CSK, highlighting that Kohli has scored 1,067 runs in 34 outings against them, averaging 36.79 and hitting nine half-centuries in the process. Kohli’s skill and experience are seen as crucial in reversing RCB’s historical struggles at the Chepauk stadium, where they last tasted victory against CSK in 2008. Since that time, CSK has dominated, winning 21 out of 33 encounters at this venue.

De Villiers himself boasts an impressive record against CSK, with 609 runs scored in 26 matches at a striking rate of 156. He used this context to motivate Kohli, equating the cricket match to making a ‘birdie’ in golf, suggesting it presents an opportunity to gain an advantage in the competition.

As both teams kicked off the 2025 IPL season with victories – RCB against Kolkata Knight Riders and CSK in a match that ended with a four-wicket win – the upcoming clash promises to be a test of strategies and skill. Kohli and de Villiers have shared numerous successful innings together, and de Villiers’ confidence in Kohli indicates a strong belief in RCB’s potential to rise to the occasion.

RCB fans and team members alike are hopeful that Kohli and his team can overcome their historical hurdles at Chepauk, driven by the determination and inspiration from cricket legends like de Villiers. The match will serve not only as a critical point in the tournament but also as a potential milestone in reshaping RCB’s fortunes against one of their toughest opponents.

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