![Virat Kohli with RCB team [Source: X]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1774072242220_ViratKohliwithRCBteam.jpg?type=hq)
Virat Kohli with RCB team [Source: X]
A couple of days ago, Virat Kohli was seen amping up the RCB nets at the Chinnaswamy Stadium. The proactive India cricketer has been the face of the Bengaluru-based franchise for over a decade now, and although Rajat Patidar leads as the captain, Kohli still rules the team in terms of seniority, as well as aggression and passion.
After RCB's 2025 win, Virat Kohli and co. are more aggressive than any other franchise, and their aim at IPL 2026 title defence will be a debate to dig into. However, ahead of the season opener on March 28, Kohli was found giving a furious pep talk that almost sounded like a threat to the teammates.
Virat Kohli Owns The IPL Stage As RCB Ready For Title Defence
Kohli has over ten records in the Indian Premier League, including accolades like most career runs in the tournament, most centuries in IPL history, most 600-plus run seasons, as well as the highest runs by an opener in a season, with most of these belonging to the 2016 edition of the maestro.
Nevertheless, he carries the same passion and aggression forward. After RCB won the title last year by defeating Punjab Kings in the final, with Kohli scoring 657 runs from 15 appearances at a remarkable average of 54.75 and a strike rate of 144.71.
He also registered eight half-centuries in the season, further underlining his consistency, which could one day become a case study. Maintaining the same line of consistency for others, ahead of the tournament, during a pep talk session with the team in a group huddle, Kohli injected adrenaline into the players.
Also Read: IPL 2026 Confirmed To Have 84 Matches; BCCI To Introduce New Format
Virat Kohli Injects Adrenaline With Furious Pep Talk
Speaking highly of the hard work the team has put in and how tough the competition will become in the coming days, in IPL 2026, Kohli urged his teammates not to waste any time or opportunity.
"We worked really hard over the last two-three seasons to achieve what we did last year, and it's only going to get tougher, because other teams are going to come hard at us. We don't waste these days, we stay ahead," Virat Kohli said.
Speaking further about the intensity of the 2.5-month-long tournament, Virat Kohli delivered strong motivation during the nets session.
"So, switch on now, let's not waste even a minute of any session we are part of. We must give our 120% for these 2.5 months. I can see from everyone's face that we are excited for this challenge," Virat Kohli added.
RCB Ready To Go At War
Speaking of Bengaluru's IPL 2026 auction and squad composition, the Bengaluru-based franchise was tactical with their choices, with one of their biggest signings being former KKR player Venkatesh Iyer for ₹7 crore. New Zealand’s Jacob Duffy was another smart addition, bought for ₹2 crore.
Apart from that, England batter Jordan Cox was the only notable addition, while the core of the squad remains largely unchanged from IPL 2025.
RCB To Begin Campaign From March 28
The defending champions will begin their campaign against Sunrisers Hyderabad at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on March 28, followed by another blockbuster clash on April 5 against Chennai Super Kings at their home ground.
Their next two fixtures for IPL 2026 will be away games against Rajasthan Royals and Mumbai Indians, with the rest of the schedule yet to be released by the BCCI and IPL committee due to ongoing elections in several states.
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