The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) secured their first-ever IPL title in 2025, defeating the Punjab Kings (PBKS) in a thrilling final. However, a moment during a strategic timeout involving Virat Kohli and Dinesh Karthik has become a talking point.

During the RCB innings, with Kohli at the crease, Karthik was seen in a lengthy discussion with the star batter. Former England captains Michael Atherton and Nasser Hussain, in a Sky Sports podcast, playfully grilled Karthik about this "5-minute lecture." Atherton quipped, "What is this man telling one of the greatest batters that has ever walked the earth? What can he possibly be telling him? And then I thought, whatever he told him didn't work, because he was out the very next over."

Kohli, who top-scored for RCB with 43, was indeed dismissed shortly after the timeout. This led to speculation and amusement, with some suggesting Karthik's advice might have backfired. Hussain joined in, noting Karthik's uncharacteristic silence on the matter, saying, "I think it's the first time ever that you haven't got an answer. You're silent."

Karthik, seemingly caught off guard, responded with humor, "This is probably the hardest question I've been asked on a podcast…I'm trying to think, without getting scarred for my life, I need to say the right answer." He later admitted he didn't recall the specifics of the conversation.

This wasn't the first instance of Kohli and Karthik's on-field interactions grabbing attention. Earlier in the season, during a match against the Rajasthan Royals, Kohli seemingly declined some advice from Karthik while fielding.

Despite the banter surrounding the timeout conversation, Kohli's contribution in the final was crucial. His 43 runs, though not at a brisk strike rate, helped RCB reach a total of 190/9, which ultimately proved sufficient for victory. The match went down to the wire, with PBKS falling short by just six runs.

Kohli's emotional reaction after the win, breaking down in tears even before the victory was sealed, highlighted the significance of the moment for him and the team. An 18-year-long wait for an IPL title had finally ended, and Kohli's crucial knock contributed to the victory.

In the end, the "5-minute lecture" and its immediate aftermath became a lighthearted anecdote in RCB's triumphant journey. Whether Karthik's advice was helpful or not, RCB secured the victory, and the moment served as a reminder of the pressures and peculiarities of cricket.