Virat Kohli Gears Up for IPL Title Defense with RCB

As the Indian Premier League approaches, Virat Kohli of Royal Challengers Bengaluru is intensifying his training. With a remarkable history of scoring over 600 runs in the last three seasons, Kohli is set to play a crucial role in RCB's title defense. The upcoming season presents him with opportunities to break records, including becoming the first player to reach 9,000 runs in IPL history. With a successful previous season behind him, Kohli aims to continue his legacy in T20 cricket. Read on to learn more about his preparations and aspirations for the season ahead.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 20, 2026, 18:31 IST

Preparations Underway for IPL 2023

Star batter Virat Kohli, representing Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), has commenced training in anticipation of the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season, which kicks off in just a week.

RCB's title defense will commence on March 28, facing off against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at the iconic M Chinnaswamy Stadium.

Kohli's Crucial Role

With three consecutive seasons of surpassing 600 runs, Kohli's performance will be pivotal for RCB's aspirations. The player, known for wearing the number 18 jersey, is set to pursue further records and historic achievements this season.

RCB shared a sneak peek of Kohli's net practice on X, showcasing his impressive ball-striking skills, particularly focusing on aerial shots. Watch here.

A Bold New Strategy

After securing the coveted trophy last season by defeating Punjab Kings (PBKS) in a thrilling final, Kohli is expected to play with renewed confidence and a fearless mindset.

Chasing Milestones

Currently, Kohli has amassed 8,661 runs in 267 matches, including eight centuries and 63 fifties. He aims to be the first player to reach the 9,000-run milestone in IPL history.

With a total of 9,085 runs in 282 matches for RCB and the now-defunct Champions League T20, he is just one extraordinary season away from becoming the first player to achieve 10,000 runs for a single IPL franchise across all T20 formats.

Joining the Elite Club

In T20 internationals, Kohli has scored 13,543 runs, including nine centuries and 105 fifties. He aspires to join the ranks of T20 legends like Chris Gayle, Kieron Pollard, Alex Hales, and David Warner, who have all crossed the 14,000-run threshold.

Reflecting on Last Season

In the previous IPL season, Kohli was a standout performer, scoring 657 runs in 15 innings with an impressive average of 54.75 and a strike rate of 144.71, finishing as RCB's top scorer and the third-highest overall.