England all-rounder Liam Livingstone has shed light on what it was like sharing a dressing room with Virat Kohli during his time at Royal Challengers Bengaluru in IPL 2025. Livingstone was part of the Bengaluru squad that finally broke the franchise’s long title drought, sealing an IPL trophy for the first time. The following year, Livingstone switched to Sunrisers Hyderabad, while RCB backed up their success to become champions again.
From the boundary to the home
Kohli’s reputation has been built on intensity—an aggressive mindset, a willingness to thrive under pressure, and a level of energy that often lifts the entire contest around him. Over time, though, the batting great has also leaned more heavily into family life and personal well-being. He and his household have spent extended spells in London, giving them space away from the constant spotlight that comes with being a star in India.
There has also been a noticeable shift toward a more spiritual rhythm in Kohli’s routine. He has spoken about visiting temples and the way faith and inner calm have influenced both his life and his career trajectory. Livingstone, having spent a season alongside him at RCB, described Kohli as someone with two distinct sides—both of which, in their own way, shape his performances.
Quick facts
- Liam Livingstone discussed his experience living and training alongside Virat Kohli during IPL 2025 at Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
- Livingstone said Kohli is intensely competitive on the field but relaxed and family-focused off it.
- Livingstone suggested Kohli prefers a quieter personal life away from constant public attention in India.
- In IPL 2026, Kohli finished as RCB’s leading run-getter and the fourth-highest run-scorer overall with 675 runs from 16 innings (average 56.25, strike rate 165.84).
- Kohli’s top score was an unbeaten 105, supported by one century and five half-centuries.
- Livingstone credited RCB’s coaching staff—Andy Flower and Mo Bobat—for pushing Kohli to be more aggressive, especially in powerplays.
Livingstone’s take on Kohli’s personality
Livingstone’s description of Kohli began with a simple contrast: once Kohli steps onto the pitch, he becomes relentless. But the moment the boundary line is left behind, Livingstone portrayed him as easygoing and comfortable around people. He also highlighted Kohli’s love for spending time with his family, calling him a “chill” presence away from cricket.
Livingstone added that Kohli’s immense popularity in India comes with its own set of pressures. In his view, the former captain doesn’t seem to want that constant attention, preferring a calmer lifestyle away from the eyes that follow him. Livingstone also underlined how Kohli’s competitiveness stands out most during match situations, saying he is the most driven player he has seen when the game is on.
Kohli’s IPL numbers and the impact of intent
On-field, Kohli’s output in the next IPL season reinforced the same traits. He wrapped up the tournament as RCB’s top run-scorer and the fourth-highest run-getter overall, collecting 675 runs across 16 innings. His figures came at an average of 56.25 and a strike rate of 165.84, showing both consistency and a sharper attacking edge.
Kohli’s haul included one century and five half-centuries, with an unbeaten 105 representing his highest score. Livingstone pointed to the significance of that elevated strike rate, suggesting it helped RCB keep momentum flowing early and maintain a stronger tempo at the top of the order.
How RCB’s coaches shaped Kohli’s powerplay
Livingstone also spoke about the role RCB’s coaching group has played in Kohli’s evolution in recent seasons. He said head coach Andy Flower and team director Mo Bobat encouraged Kohli to approach his batting with more intent, particularly during the powerplay overs. The change, according to Livingstone, has added a new attacking layer to a skill set that was already formidable.
Livingstone said they were willing to “change the way he played,” emphasizing that the requests were clear: be more aggressive, hit more sixes, and keep that intensity going throughout the powerplay. He added that Kohli’s powerplay approach now looks far more forceful than it did earlier, and that even when facing spin, Kohli is playing a wider range of shots than before.
