The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) finally clinched their maiden IPL title in the 2025 season, defeating the Punjab Kings (PBKS) in a thrilling final. However, the victory wasn't without its share of controversies and talking points, one of which centered around Virat Kohli's dismissal and the role of RCB mentor, Dinesh Karthik.

During RCB's innings, Kohli, who had been in decent form, was dismissed for 43 off 35 balls. While it wasn't a terrible score, some fans and analysts felt that his strike rate was not up to par, especially considering the context of the match. What caught the attention of many was a strategic timeout where Karthik was seen having an animated discussion with Kohli.

According to reports, Karthik spent a considerable amount of time "lecturing" Kohli, seemingly offering advice or perhaps discussing strategy. However, Kohli was dismissed in the very next over, leading to questions about the effectiveness of Karthik's input.

The incident quickly became a talking point, with former England captain Michael Atherton playfully grilling Karthik about the exchange during a Sky Sports podcast. Atherton joked that Kohli's dismissal immediately after Karthik's "five-minute lecture" suggested that the advice was perhaps not the most helpful.

"In that final, what I noticed was, in a strategic timeout, you spent a long time telling Virat Kohli what to do. He was at the crease, and you were there, pointing at him, and I think he was out the very next over, after your five-minute lecture. Tell me what you said to him," Atherton quipped.

Karthik, seemingly caught off guard, responded with laughter and admitted it was a tough question. He then jokingly asked Atherton what he thought Karthik might have said, considering Kohli's subsequent dismissal.

While the exchange was lighthearted, it did raise questions about whether Karthik's intervention might have inadvertently contributed to Kohli's wicket. It's worth noting that Kohli had been struggling to find his rhythm during that phase of the innings, and the pressure was mounting on RCB to accelerate the scoring.

Following the match, when asked about Kohli's dismissal and Karthik's involvement, RCB coach Andy Flower reportedly said "Whatever..." with a wry smile, neither confirming nor denying any potential impact.

It is important to acknowledge Kohli's significant contribution to RCB's success throughout the season. He amassed 657 runs in 15 games, averaging 54.75 with a strike rate of 144.71, including eight fifties. He was indeed a vital component in RCB's victorious campaign.

Ultimately, it's impossible to definitively say whether Karthik's conversation with Kohli directly led to his dismissal. Cricket is a game of inches, and a momentary lapse in concentration or a good delivery can change the course of a match. Regardless, the incident added another layer of intrigue to RCB's triumphant IPL 2025 campaign, highlighting the intense scrutiny and passionate debates that surround the sport.