Virat Kohli Reacts to Rishabh Pant's Century Celebration | IPL 2025 Viral Moment

Virat Kohli Amused as Rishabh Pant Stuns with Century and Somersault Celebration

In one of the most entertaining moments of the IPL 2025, Virat Kohli's reaction to Rishabh Pant's somersault celebration after scoring a century became an instant hit online. The electrifying contest between Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the Ekana International Stadium was already pulsating with big scores and high-intensity action. But it was Pant’s moment of brilliance, both with the bat and in celebration, that stole the spotlight and Kohli’s amused, wide-eyed reaction made it all the more memorable. 

Pant's Somersault Celebration Breaks the Internet

Rishabh Pant had been under scrutiny throughout the tournament. Coming into the final league match with modest numbers and inconsistent form, expectations were tempered. But the LSG captain flipped the script—literally and figuratively—by delivering one of his finest IPL innings to date. His unbeaten 118 off 61 balls wasn’t just a personal redemption arc; it was a masterclass in power-hitting, game awareness, and raw athleticism.

After reaching his century in the 18th over with a boundary, Pant threw in a surprise somersault to celebrate. It wasn’t rehearsed, it wasn’t expected—it was pure Pant. The celebration lit up the stadium, and cameras quickly cut to Virat Kohli, who was standing at the boundary line and was visibly entertained and slightly bewildered. His smirk, half-shrug, and head shake summed it up: classic Rishabh.

The clip has since gone viral, with fans lauding Pant’s flair and Kohli’s reaction as one of the moments of the season.

A Timely Return to Form for Rishabh Pant

For Pant, this innings wasn’t just about showmanship it was about reminding everyone why he’s considered one of the most dangerous players in the format. Before this knock, Pant had scored 269 runs in 13 innings in IPL 2025, averaging under 25 and with a strike rate of 133.16. Not terrible, but not elite.

But Tuesday’s knock was vintage Pant. His timing was crisp, his strokeplay innovative, and his composure under pressure spoke volumes. Against a high-quality RCB bowling lineup, Pant dismantled spinners and pacers alike, striking 11 boundaries and 8 sixes. His second IPL century came after a long wait the last one being a blistering 128* for Delhi Capitals against SunRisers Hyderabad in 2018.

His performance gave LSG a massive total of 227 for 3, but more importantly, it ended his season on a personal high.

Rishabh Pant’s Consistent Record Against RCB

Pant’s affinity for big performances against RCB is no secret. Coming into the match, he had already scored 421 runs in 12 innings against them, averaging 42.10 with a strike rate of 150.36. He’s now added another feather to that cap with his latest century.

This was also Pant’s first outing against RCB since 2022. He missed the entire 2023 season due to injury and was suspended in 2024 for a slow over-rate offence in a Delhi Capitals game. His return this year marked a new chapter, and his innings against Bengaluru reaffirmed his stature as a big-match player.

Kohli Delivers Again, But Pant Steals the Show

While Pant earned the headlines, Virat Kohli’s IPL 2025 campaign remains rock-solid. In the same match, he smashed a rapid 54 off 30 balls, setting a strong platform for RCB’s chase. His strike rate of 180 underlines how aggressively he approached the target.

With this knock, Kohli took his season tally to 602 runs in 13 innings, averaging an impressive 60.20 with a strike rate of 147.27. It’s his third consecutive season crossing the 600-run mark, placing him fifth among the top scorers of the season. Although he missed out on a bigger score against LSG, his form will be vital as RCB heads into Qualifier 1 against Punjab Kings.

Kohli's focus remains laser-sharp, but his moment of levity after Pant’s somersault showed a lighter side of the veteran one that fans adore.

RCB’s Chase and the Path Ahead

Despite Pant’s heroics, LSG couldn’t stop the RCB juggernaut. Kohli’s powerplay blitz was followed by a match-winning partnership between Jitesh Sharma and Mayank Agarwal, ensuring RCB reached the target with poise.

The win not only secured two points for RCB but also confirmed their top-two finish, granting them a crucial second chance if needed during the playoffs. Their next challenge, Punjab Kings in Mullanpur on May 29, is bound to test their depth and nerve.

The Spirit of IPL on Full Display

Beyond the records and results, the LSG vs RCB match captured the essence of the IPL flamboyant cricket, intense rivalries, and unforgettable moments. Pant’s somersault celebration and Kohli’s infectious reaction encapsulated the joy that cricket can bring, even in the high-pressure environment of the world’s most lucrative league.

As the tournament moves toward its final phase, fans can only hope for more such moments where talent meets theatre, and sport becomes spectacle.