Virat Kohli in RCB nets giving pep talk [Source: X]The IPL 2026 preparations are already underway with teams locking in with their preparations. The defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru have also focused their way in ahead of their campaign opener against Sunrisers Hyderabad as Virat Kohli was seen gearing up in the nets. While the training camp at Bengaluru has been filled with RCB talent, led by captain Rajat Patidar, it seems like the captain’s hat haven’t left Virat Kohli’s head as he was seen guiding the youngsters. Virat Kohli Ready To Defend RCB’s IPL Title After an elusive title win in IPL 2025 after 18 years of toil, RCB is now aiming for a historic record, to bag their second title in a row. Though unprecedented, it is not impossible as they now boast one of the strongest squads across franchises after the IPL 2026 auction. Kohli, the face of the team who has been Bengaluru’s identity since its inception will act as an inspiration for the upcoming generation. Without result and a close quarter in 2016, Kohli’s devotion towards the title was one to study. Yet, after the win, the hungers haven't died down yet. Kohli Gives Fiery Pep Talk In The Nets Almost 10 days ahead of their campaign opener, Kohli was seen giving pep talk at the Chinnaswamy Stadium to the squad with the passion and aggression of a captain who is still unsatisfied and wants more accolades. In a video captured and released by Sportstar on their official social media handle, Virat Kohli was seen hammering down some shots to a spinner, revising his red hot cricketing form.Sportstar @sportstarweb Defending champion RCB has kicked off preparations for its season opener against SRH. 🏟️ Virat Kohli was seen addressing the players as the squad trains hard at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, sharpening its skills for a high-voltage clash. 📹: @photomurali1 #IPL2026 #RCB #Sportstar Mar 18, 2026, 6:34 PM What was more interesting was the intensity he brought in the camp as he lectured the young guns during the practice sessions reminding them of the dos and don'ts of a high pressure game.While Kohli remains one of the top stars to watch for in the tournament, RCB had several acquisitions in the IPL 2026 auction who might bring in likely intensities. Kohli’s Form To Add Another Star To RCB’s Campaign Amongst the new buys, Venkatesh Iyer from KKR, Jacob Duffy from New Zealand, and England's Jordan Cox are the talents that the team would like to rely upon and include in their playing XI, who can make a significant impact with their capabilities. Before looking at the most impactful factors that Bengaluru have brought in, let's take a look at how Virat Kohli has impacted the IPL so far. Speaking of his form in the Indian Premier League, Kohli has averaged 39.5 from 259 games while having a strike rate of 132.9. The record holder for the most runs in a single IPL season also has the most centuries in IPL history, with his eight tons. He is also the highest run-scorer in IPL history with 8,600+ runs from the matches he has played. Adding to his fierce statistics, Kohli has also been in red-hot form recently. In his most recent appearance against New Zealand in January, where he played three ODI matches, he scored one century in the third ODI and had an average of 80 from his three matches. This underlines how impactful Kohli can be with the bat, as he is one of the primary threats for the opposition. The Solid Promise Of Bengaluru Ahead Of IPL 2026 Heading to Virat Kohli's batting firepower at the top, Rajat Patidar, Jordan Cox, Devdutt Padikkal, and England's firebrand explosive batter Phil Salt are also in line to take the batting up by a notch. Interestingly, Jacob Bethell will also be a key player to watch in the RCB squad, alongside talented all-rounders like Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, as well as Venkatesh Iyer. The bowling squad will be led by Bhuvneshwar Kumar and New Zealand pacer Jacob Duffy, with only Josh Hazlewood being under the clouds because of his injury concern. Nevertheless, the team boasts a solid squad on paper and are again one of the contenders to win the IPL title.Also Read: Suresh Raina To Reunite With MS Dhoni In CSK For IPL 2026? CEO Gives Bombshell Update
