IPL 2026: How did Virat Kohli perform during RCB’s practice game? Revealed
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Virat Kohli will be key for RCB in IPL 2026.
The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 is less than a week away and the excitement to watch the world’s biggest cricketing stars continues to grow. The tournament opener will see defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) lock horns against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on March 28.
The match will be held at the M.Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, almost a year after a sequence of tragic events unfolded at the venue during RCB’s victory parade. Captain Rajat Patidar will be aiming to join MI and CSK as the only teams to successfully defend their IPL title.
Some of the upgrades from last year include the addition of Venkatesh Iyer in the squad. Moreover, Jacob Bethell promises to be a rising sensation, however it would be a challenge for him to play given the overseas cap.
The franchise will also be sweating over Josh Hazlewood’s fitness and availability, but they have capable replacements in Jacob Duffy and Nuwan Thusara.
How did Virat Kohli perform during RCB’s practice game?
RCB have the biggest fanbase in the cricketing world, and most of that fandom is due to one man. Virat Kohli will be back in action, and with ODI cricket being the only other time he plays the sport, even the former RCB skipper will be raring to go.
Kohli has been in incredible form this season having smashed 240 runs in the three matches he played against New Zealand, including a century in Indore.
Witnesses from RCB’s practice sessions provided great news for RCB and Virat Kohli fans. It is reported that Kohli was looking in pristine touch, middling the ball and making great contact. One such instance was seen when Bhuvneshwar Kumar bowled a good length delivery and Kohli nonchalantly smoked it over mid-on.
Mangesh Yadav, an RCB pacer, tried to surprise the Indian legend with a short ball, but he pulled it in front of square with ease. While he eventually got out to Abhinandan Singh trying to score more boundaries, his sensational form has been verified by both RevSportzGlobal and analyst Bharath Ramaraj.
When is RCB’s first match at IPL 2026?
The first match of Royal Challengers Bengaluru will be played on 28 March against Sunrisers Hyderabad
What was said about Virat Kohli’s form ahead of IPL?
RevSportzGlobal and analyst Bharath Ramaraj confirmed Kohli’s superb form in the nets.
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Aniruddh Seshadri Iyer is a passionate sports journalist at Khel Now, specializing in tennis and Olympic sports. An engineer by training, he found his storytelling passion through iconic Grand Slam and Olympic moments. Known for sharp analysis and insightful coverage, he draws inspiration from Novak Djokovic’s resilience. Outside journalism, he enjoys reading, traveling, and playing the guitar.