The countdown to IPL 2026 has officially begun, and if there were any doubts about the intensity of the upcoming season, Virat Kohli just cleared them with one swing of his bat. As Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) prepare to defend their historic 2025 maiden title, “King Kohli” has hit the nets with a vengeance, showcasing a range of stunning aerial hits that have sent fans into a frenzy.
The Viral Footage: Power and Precision
In a recently released video from the RCB training camp at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Kohli looks leaner, sharper, and more aggressive than ever. While he is known for his grounded “cover drives for the soul,” the 2026 pre-season version of Kohli seems to be focusing heavily on his aerial game.
The footage shows Kohli taking on both spinners and pacers, repeatedly clearing the boundary with lofted drives and his signature flick-six. Lotus365 This shift towards a higher strike-rate approach aligns with the “fearless” brand of cricket he adopted during the 2025 season, where he amassed 657 runs at an impressive strike rate of 144.71.
Chasing History: The Road to 9,000 Runs
As RCB enters the 2026 season as defending champions, Kohli himself is on the doorstep of legendary milestones.
- The 9,000 Club: Currently sitting at 8,661 runs, Kohli needs just 339 more to become the first player in history to reach 9,000 runs in the IPL.
- The 10,000 Landmark: If we include his Champions League T20 stats, he is roughly 900 runs away from becoming the first player to score 10,000 runs for a single franchise.
Why This Season is Different
IPL 2026 marks a new chapter for Kohli. Having retired from T20Is and Tests mid-way through 2025, he is now operating in a “specialist” mode. Critics like Irfan Pathan have noted that while playing only one or two formats can be challenging for rhythm, Kohli’s recent ODI form—including centuries against South Africa and New Zealand—suggests he is in the form of his life.
The RCB “Golden Run”
Bengaluru is currently the epicenter of Indian franchise cricket. With the RCB Women also being the reigning WPL champions, the pressure is on the men’s team to achieve the “double-double” by retaining their trophy.
With stars like Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Devdutt Padikkal, and Krunal Pandya joining Kohli in the camp, the squad looks balanced and motivated.
What to Expect on March 28
RCB will kick off their title defense on March 28 against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at the Chinnaswamy Stadium. If the practice videos are any indication, the Bengaluru faithful are in for a spectacle. The “King” isn’t just back; he’s looking to redefine the limits of his game once again.
Watch the space: March 28, M. Chinnaswamy Stadium—The Defense Begins.
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