Virat Kohli Drops Bombshell After Elite IPL 2026 Opening, Indirectly Drags Gautam Gambhir

Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir [Source: AP Photos and AFP]

Virat Kohli returned to T20 cricket after almost a year, and his comeback turned out to be impressive. His previous T20 appearance came during the IPL 2025 final, and now he started the IPL 2026 season with a strong performance. 

In the IPL opening match at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on March 28, Kohli scored an unbeaten 69 runs off 38 balls against Sunrisers Hyderabad. As a result, he gave fans a reminder of his consistency and class in the shortest format.

SRH set a big target for RCB

Earlier in the match, SRH were asked to bat first on a pitch that offered mixed pace. Even then, the team managed to put up a strong total of 201/9. This was mainly due to captain Ishan Kishan, who played a fluent innings of 80 runs off 38 balls. His knock included eight fours and five sixes, which kept the scoreboard moving.

In addition, Aniket Verma added quick runs towards the end, scoring 43 off 18 balls. His aggressive approach helped the team cross the 200-run mark. On the other hand, Jacob Duffy impressed with the ball and picked up 3 wickets for 22 runs, while Romario Shepherd also took 3 wickets for 54 runs. Even so, the batting effort ensured a challenging target.

In response, RCB approached the chase with confidence. The top order played attacking cricket right from the start, and therefore the pressure of a big target was reduced early. Devdutt Padikkal led the charge with a quick 61 runs off 26 balls, hitting seven fours and four sixes. His innings provided a solid foundation for the chase.

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Virat Kohli leads the team to victory

After the strong start, Virat Kohli carried the innings forward with great control. He scored an unbeaten 69 runs off 38 balls, including five fours and five sixes. Along with Padikkal, he ensured that the team stayed ahead in the chase. As a result, RCB reached the target of 202 runs comfortably before the final overs. Their partnership played a key role in securing the win.

Virat Kohli’s comments hint at Gautam Gambhir connection

Following the match, Virat Kohli shared his thoughts during the post-match presentation. During his statement, he indirectly gave credit to India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir. 

Over the years, their relationship has seen different phases, and there have been discussions about possible disagreements, especially after the Border-Gavaskar Trophy campaign. Kohli also stepped away from Test cricket during Gautam Gambhir’s coaching period before the England series.

At the same time, Kohli focused on his performance and preparation, and he said:

"(How was the feeling after playing a T20 game since last year's final?) Firstly, thank you. Thanks for such lovely words. It's good to get out there. The last game I played was the final last year in T20 cricket. I think the way I batted in the ODI series quite recently really helped me to stay in that momentum. I wasn't playing shots which I don't usually play. 

So, I knew as long as I have the rhythm, things should come together. Tonight, it was a good start from us and we need to build on this no.” 

It is worth nothing that Virat Kohli has been in good form recently, and this innings adds to his consistent performances. He scored 93, 23 and 124 in the ODI series against New Zealand. Before that, he also registered two centuries in the ODI series against South Africa. 

Meanwhile, RCB will next face CSK on April 5 at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. 

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