Virat Kohli Prepares for IPL 2026 Comeback with RCB
Virat Kohli's Anticipated Return to Competitive Cricket
Virat Kohli, the former captain of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and a renowned batsman, is set to make his return to competitive cricket in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season, commencing on March 28. Kohli rejoined the RCB squad on March 18, participating in the team's initial practice session at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on the same day.
Kohli's Impressive ODI Performance
Kohli's last competitive appearance was during the ODI series against New Zealand in January, where he emerged as India's top scorer with 240 runs, featuring a century and a half-century, boasting an average of 80 and a strike rate of 105.26 across three matches. His return to the field has sparked significant enthusiasm among fans, especially since it has been two months since he last played competitively.
Continued Commitment to IPL
Despite retiring from T20 internationals following India's T20 World Cup victory in 2024, Kohli remains committed to the IPL, representing RCB for the 19th consecutive season.
Kohli's Nets Session Highlights
During a recent nets session at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Kohli showcased his powerful hitting skills. He engaged in an hour-long batting practice, facing bowlers like Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Venkatesh Iyer, and Rasikh Dar. A viral video captured Kohli refining his technique, demonstrating his cover drive and lofted shots, while exhibiting sharp timing and technical precision.
In another clip, he hit a boundary off Bhuvneshwar Kumar and followed it up with two impressive sixes off a spinner, indicating his excellent form ahead of RCB's IPL 2026 opener against Sunrisers Hyderabad.
Kohli's Legacy in IPL
Last season, Kohli played a pivotal role in RCB's first IPL title victory, defeating Punjab Kings in the final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. After 18 years with RCB, he finally secured his maiden IPL championship, solidifying his legacy as one of the tournament's greatest players. He was the team's leading run-scorer, amassing 657 runs, including eight fifties, with an average of 54.75 and a strike rate of 144.71 over 15 matches.
Significance of IPL 2026 for Kohli
As Kohli prepares for his 19th IPL season, he joins an elite group of players, including MS Dhoni, Rohit Sharma, and Manish Pandey, who have participated in every edition since the tournament's inception in 2008. This upcoming season holds particular importance for Kohli, as he has shifted his focus solely to ODIs after retiring from T20Is and Tests, aiming to extend his career until the 2027 World Cup, which may be his final international appearance.
With the BCCI selectors and team management planning for the World Cup post-IPL, Kohli intends to leverage this tournament to demonstrate his form, provide leadership, and affirm his crucial role in India's ODI strategy leading up to the 2027 World Cup. Additionally, having not played T20 cricket for nearly a year, with his last match in the IPL 2025 final, these practice sessions are vital for him to regain match fitness, timing, and confidence.