Royal Challengers Bengaluru speedster Bhuvneshwar Kumar explained what makes the franchise tick after a dramatic IPL 2026 triumph over Delhi Capitals on Monday. In the match, Josh Hazlewood struck with a four-wicket haul and Bhuvneshwar backed it up with three wickets as DC collapsed to a paltry 75 all out. The chase was then handled calmly by Virat Kohli and Devdutt Padikkal, with RCB sealing the target by nine wickets. After the win, Bhuvneshwar highlighted the group’s approach and stressed how Kohli’s tactical guidance and communication can swing moments in the team’s favour.
“No matter what anyone has achieved, whether it’s him or me, it comes down to the mental side of the game. Often, right before a match, Virat says something—maybe it’s even a small tactical point—and it ends up working. The way he communicates and the way he speaks is really important. I also believe that because of his batting experience, if he shares a view, it helps a lot,” Bhuvneshwar said in a video shared by the league.
Virat Kohli, meanwhile, added yet another milestone to his IPL journey by becoming the first batter to reach 9,000 runs in the tournament’s history. He achieved the landmark during RCB’s clash with Delhi Capitals at Arun Jaitley Stadium, the same venue where his cricketing pathway began. Kohli finished the successful 76-run pursuit in an impressive, low-stress manner, striking two consecutive sixes as he compiled 23 not out off 15 balls. His innings included a boundary and two sixes, at a strike rate of 153.33.
With the knock, Kohli’s overall IPL numbers now stand at 9,012 runs across 275 appearances. He has an average of 40.05 and a strike rate of 133.05, featuring eight centuries and 66 half-centuries. His highest IPL score remains 113 not out.
On the current season’s Orange Cap standings, the experienced batter has moved into fourth place. He has amassed 351 runs from eight innings, boasting an average of 58.50 and a strike rate of 162.50. Kohli has recorded three fifties so far, with a top score of 81.
Bhuvneshwar also expanded on how RCB view individual contributions inside the team framework. “We usually look at performances from the final outcome, but I don’t think about it that way because it’s a team sport. Sometimes you might be doing well—regardless of the result or even the wicket—what matters is that we back each other. It’s crucial that you complement the other end: if you’re bowling well and someone is taking wickets from the other side, that’s what counts,” he added.
