Virat Kohli has long been the public face and emotional motor of Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and even after stepping away from the captaincy armband in recent seasons, his grip on the franchise’s identity looks stronger than ever. That theme stood out during Mo Bobat’s frank conversation with NDTV at the third edition of the RCB Innovation Labs, where the RCB Director of Cricket traced how Kohli’s role has shifted—from leading the side to mentoring, setting standards, and driving the dressing-room mood.
Kohli’s influence beyond the captaincy
Bobat said the leadership group at RCB feels genuinely lucky to have Kohli around, pointing to an intensity that appears natural rather than forced. In his view, Kohli does not require reminders to raise the tempo, whether in training or in match preparation.
- Bobat said Kohli does not “struggle” for motivation or intensity, and that the rest of the group can see it clearly.
- He added that senior players around Kohli instantly absorb high standards and a competitive mindset.
RCB’s recent momentum and Kohli’s statistical impact
Bobat linked Kohli’s evolving leadership to the franchise’s wider transformation over the last two seasons. After finally ending a long wait for an maiden IPL title last year, RCB have again surged into the playoffs, powered by continuity, stability, and a fiercely competitive culture. Kohli is described as central to that engine.
- Bobat highlighted RCB’s playoff run as being driven by continuity and stability, alongside an aggressive team culture.
- He pointed to Kohli’s form this season: 542 runs, placing him fourth in the Orange Cap race, with one game still to be played.
From personal milestones to a bigger team picture
One of the clearest markers of Kohli’s growth, Bobat said, is the way he has embraced a broader responsibility—moving beyond individual landmarks and specific roles. Bobat referenced earlier discussions about captaincy and leadership, explaining that Kohli has consistently shown an understanding that the franchise must be able to move forward through others as well.
- Bobat said Kohli has always been available to lead, but also understood the franchise needed a pathway where other leaders could take the team forward beyond himself, Andy, and even Kohli.
- He described Kohli’s mindset as more balanced and secure in the team structure compared to the aggressive superstar era when expectations often rested heavily on him.
“Mature” outlook on cricket and life
Bobat repeatedly used the word “mature” while describing Kohli’s current perspective. He suggested that Kohli’s priorities now align more closely with cricket as a whole and with life beyond the immediate spotlight, rather than chasing personal objectives.
- Bobat said Kohli has a mature, well-rounded perspective on cricket and life, and that he has “been there and done it all.”
- He added that Kohli’s balanced approach means he is not trying to chase personal things beyond maintaining his own standards, while still wanting the team and franchise to do well.
Mentoring the squad and shaping the team’s emotional edge
Bobat also stressed that Kohli’s influence is especially noticeable among younger players. In practice and team interactions, emerging cricketers are said to seek learning opportunities from him, and Kohli is presented as someone who actively mentors less experienced members of the squad.
- Bobat said Kohli tries to mentor many of the players with less experience.
- He noted that several players use Kohli as a reference point during training sessions, and RCB often tries to create chances for others to share a net with him.
Interestingly, Bobat revealed that even established international cricketers are drawn to Kohli’s energy. The Englishman said senior players who arrive to play or train with the group often get excited about working with Kohli—whether it is batting, practising, or simply engaging with him.
- Bobat said visiting senior internationals feel energized when they bat with or practise with Kohli.
- He also mentioned that engaging with Kohli creates a noticeable buzz around training sessions.
Analytics matter, but personality still decides the vibe
While RCB’s planning is often linked to analytics and data-driven thinking, Bobat insisted that personalities like Kohli still provide the emotional edge. He argued that Kohli cannot be criticised for not improving, describing the version of Kohli Bobat has worked with as someone determined to push the game forward through an aggressive style of cricket.
- Bobat said one thing you cannot criticise Kohli for is his constant drive to get better.
- He described Kohli as willing to push the game forward and play an aggressive brand of cricket.
A leadership role that adds stability and inspires “Play Bold”
In Bobat’s view, Kohli’s job at RCB has evolved, but the franchise has gained something substantial from that shift: a fresh dimension, a new window, and a sense of stability. That stability, in turn, is meant to support the collective plan to keep adding trophies. Kohli, Bobat said, remains at the heart of RCB’s “Play Bold” philosophy and the culture designed to inspire.
