Virat Kohli’s return to form arrived in the most emphatic fashion as Royal Challengers Bengaluru overcame Kolkata Knight Riders by six wickets in IPL 2026 on Wednesday. Chasing 193 in Raipur, RCB completed the target with five balls left to spare, largely because Kohli delivered a composed, steady innings after a difficult spell that had included two consecutive scoreless outings. The former RCB captain kept his celebrations restrained even after reaching his century, stressing that the team’s position in the points table is what ultimately drives the group rather than individual milestones.
Kohli, who also collected the Player of the Match award, suggested that the pressure of the situation is a positive force for him. “The celebration wasn’t a big one because we understand how important points are. People say pressure is a privilege for a reason. When the pressure is handled well, it makes you sharpen your game,” he said after the win.
He further explained how he approached the chase: “My stance at the crease, not trying anything flashy, looking for the gaps, staying in the present—those things helped me trust my game. It was risk-free cricket.” Kohli’s innings featured 11 fours and three sixes in 60 balls, a knock that provided both control and momentum at the right moments.
Devdutt Padikkal offered valuable support with 39 as RCB chased down the total successfully. Earlier in the evening, KKR had put up 192/4, with Angkrish Raghuvanshi and Cameron Green providing key contributions to set the platform. For the chase, Kartik Tyagi stood out for KKR’s bowling unit, finishing with figures of 3/32.
The result moved RCB to the summit of the IPL table, with 16 points from 12 matches. Captain Rajat Patidar lauded the collective effort, noting that the team’s success came from contributions arriving at different stages of the innings. “It feels great. Everyone came in at different moments and did their job for the team,” Patidar said. He also reserved special praise for Kohli, adding, “I don’t have words, but he’s used to doing great things.”
