NEW DELHI: Even the simple sight of Virat Kohli inside the dressing room can raise the tempo around Royal Challengers Bengaluru. His fierce intensity, relentless work ethic and refusal to accept anything less than victory have long made him the driving heartbeat of the franchise—and IPL 2026 proved there was no change. Kohli played a decisive role in RCB capturing their second successive IPL title, finishing as the highest run-getter for the side and the tournament’s fourth-best overall. The batting icon amassed 675 runs across 16 matches, striking at 165.85 while averaging 56.25, including a match-turning 75 in the final against Gujarat Titans.
Kohli’s title-winning impact for RCB
- Virat Kohli was central to RCB’s second consecutive IPL championship in 2026.
- He ended the tournament as RCB’s leading run-scorer and the competition’s fourth-highest run-getter.
- Kohli scored 675 runs in 16 games, at an average of 56.25 and a strike rate of 165.85.
- In the final versus Gujarat Titans, he contributed a match-winning knock of 75.
Krunal Pandya on Kohli’s influence and leadership
RCB all-rounder Krunal Pandya—who was part of the franchise’s back-to-back title campaigns in 2025 and 2026—detailed how Kohli’s presence shapes both team culture and individual mindset. Speaking during an interaction as Guest Sports Editor at The Times of India, Krunal explained that Kohli’s impact extends beyond statistics, rooted in how he carries himself day to day.
Fitness, motivation and setting the standard
When asked about Kohli’s effect on the group—especially around fitness and motivation—Krunal said the former India captain lifts everyone’s standards purely through his example.
- “He leads by example,” Krunal said.
- Krunal pointed to Kohli’s continued hunger to perform and win as a constant source of inspiration.
- He noted that some people ease off after one or two big moments, but Kohli has made excellence a habit.
- Krunal added that Kohli’s love for the game remains visible, and if that love and drive stay steady, “the sky is the limit.”
How Kohli responds to adversity
Krunal also highlighted Kohli’s reaction to setbacks during IPL 2026 as proof of the champion mindset that has defined his career. He recalled a rough patch early in the season and how confidence only strengthened after that.
- After 11 matches in IPL 2026, Kohli had recorded two ducks.
- People around Krunal questioned whether the team was worried.
- Krunal said he felt excited rather than concerned.
- Kohli then registered two consecutive zeros before returning to score a match-winning hundred.
- According to Krunal, Kohli’s actions inspire teammates both inside and outside the dressing room.
Personal inspiration: “One hundred per cent”
For Krunal, Kohli’s competitive streak and obsession with winning have also resonated on a personal level. Asked whether Kohli influenced him directly, the all-rounder replied unequivocally: “One hundred per cent.”
- Krunal described himself as someone who plays aggressive cricket and genuinely loves winning.
- He clarified that this doesn’t make him a “graceful loser,” but it does explain his focus on results.
- He said there are similarities in how both approach the game.
- Krunal noted that over the years he has spent a lot of time with Kohli.
- Sharing a dressing room with Kohli, he said, has been special.
- He added that Kohli is a leader in every sense of the word, with no doubt about that.
