AB de Villiers Praises Virat Kohli's Impact on RCB Ahead of IPL 2026
Kohli: The Heartbeat of RCB
Royal Challengers Bengaluru, IPL 2026: AB de Villiers, the former captain of South Africa and a key player for RCB, asserts that Virat Kohli remains the driving force behind the franchise, not only due to his batting prowess but also because of the energy and enthusiasm he injects into the team. Despite retiring from T20Is and Test cricket, Kohli continues to be a pivotal figure in the RCB lineup, having been among the top run-scorers in IPL 2025, where he scored 657 runs with an impressive average of 54.75 and a strike rate of 144.71, finishing third in the overall rankings.
De Villiers remarked, "Virat is undoubtedly the heartbeat of the franchise. His performances and the consistency he has shown with the bat are remarkable, but it’s his presence and the energy he brings that truly stand out. His commitment to the team, both on and off the field, is exceptional," during a discussion on JioStar.
He praised Kohli for his ability to energize the team, emphasizing that the former Indian captain inspires younger players to believe in their potential to win the championship. Last season, RCB clinched their first IPL title, showcasing contributions from players like Rajat Patidar, Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma, and Romario Shepherd, while Krunal Pandya played a crucial role with the ball.
De Villiers noted that the victory was a collective effort, contrasting it with previous seasons where the team relied heavily on a few star players. "He instills confidence in the younger players, making them believe they can achieve victory, which RCB did last year. What impressed me about last season was that while he was a top run-scorer, other players also stepped up. In the past, RCB often depended on just a handful of players to perform consistently. This time, the entire team contributed," he added.
Reflecting on Kohli's work ethic, the 42-year-old expressed that Kohli's dedication is unparalleled, stating that it is improbable for the star batter to enter the tournament unprepared. He believes that if Kohli underperforms, it would likely be due to form or a technical issue rather than lack of preparation. De Villiers anticipates a stellar season for Kohli, highlighting that he is likely to be well-rested and ready to defend the title. "He possesses the best work ethic I have ever witnessed. He will not come into the tournament undercooked. If he struggles, it will be due to form or a technical flaw. I expect him to have an outstanding season. I can only imagine how motivated he must be after some rest. Virat will undoubtedly be ready, and RCB has the potential to win back-to-back titles," the former RCB star concluded.