Bengaluru: Virat Kohli turned an ordinary post-match press conference into a one-man show, as Gujarat Titans assistant coach Vijay Dahiya found himself fielding a barrage of questions centred entirely on the Royal Challengers Bengaluru star following their defeat in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 clash.
After Gujarat Titans failed to defend a total of 205 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, the spotlight quickly shifted away from the losing side and onto Kohli’s commanding knock of 81 off 44 balls.
Press conference turns into Kohli discussion
Dahiya entered the media interaction expecting questions about Gujarat’s bowling lapses and missed opportunities. Instead, journalists repeatedly asked about Kohli’s performance, evolution, and mindset.
The coach acknowledged that Kohli’s innings was the decisive factor in the match, especially after Gujarat dropped him on the very first ball of the chase.
“I think we had a defendable total. But we gave him a chance early, and after that, it was his innings that took the game away from us,” Dahiya admitted.
Dropped chance proves costly
Gujarat Titans’ inability to capitalise on an early opportunity proved pivotal. Kohli, who was dropped off the first delivery he faced, made the opposition pay with a masterclass in controlled aggression.
He paced his innings to perfection, combining elegant strokeplay with smart running between the wickets, ensuring the required run rate never spiralled out of control.
Dahiya noted that while 205 is often a competitive total at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Kohli’s approach made the pitch appear far easier than it actually was.
Experience and adaptability highlighted
During the interaction, Dahiya was asked whether senior players need to adapt by learning from younger cricketers like Sai Sudharsan. His response firmly backed experienced players.
He cited Kohli as the ideal example of a veteran who continues to thrive through adaptability, game awareness, and relentless motivation.
According to Dahiya, success in modern T20 cricket is less about age and more about clarity of roles and the ability to evolve with changing demands.
Kohli’s relentless mindset stands out
One of the most revealing insights from the press conference was Kohli’s own reaction after the match. Despite playing a match-winning knock, the 37-year-old was reportedly disappointed at not converting his innings into a century.
Dahiya described Kohli’s mindset as exceptional, pointing to his energy, awareness, and ability to dominate world-class bowlers.
“He is still driven to improve every day. That willingness to perform is what sets him apart,” Dahiya said.
Leading by example on the field
Beyond his batting, Kohli’s intensity in running between the wickets also drew praise. Dahiya highlighted how the senior player constantly pushed younger teammates to convert singles into doubles, even on a relatively small ground.
This leadership by example, coupled with his fitness and commitment, continues to make Kohli a benchmark for aspiring cricketers.
Playing for self, not validation
Dahiya also addressed a broader aspect of Kohli’s career — his motivation. According to him, Kohli is no longer playing to prove a point to critics or fans.
Instead, the RCB stalwart is driven by self-improvement, striving to better his own standards with every innings.
“He is not trying to prove anything to anyone else. It is about being better than he was yesterday,” Dahiya remarked, underlining the mental strength that has sustained Kohli’s longevity.
Conclusion
Virat Kohli’s brilliance once again extended beyond the boundary ropes, dominating not just the match but also the narrative that followed. Gujarat Titans’ press conference turning into a discussion about him reflects the sheer impact he continues to have on the game. As IPL 2026 progresses, Kohli’s form, mindset and influence remain central to Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s campaign — and to the league’s enduring appeal.