Bengaluru: Royal Challengers Bengaluru Director of Cricket Mo Bobat has said that Virat Kohli continues to remain one of the most influential figures within the franchise, emphasising that his contribution extends far beyond statistics and run-scoring.

Speaking during Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s IPL 2026 campaign, Bobat said Kohli’s intensity, standards and leadership qualities continue to shape the culture inside the dressing room as the franchise pursues another successful season following its title-winning campaign.

Kohli has once again played a significant role in RCB’s progress this season and remains among the leading contributors with the bat.

Bobat praises Kohli’s consistency

Bobat said Kohli’s performances should not be viewed as routine despite the consistency he has displayed over the years.

According to him, the senior batter has once again crossed the 500-run mark in a season, a level of contribution that would be difficult for any team to replace.

He noted that if Kohli were absent from the side, the franchise would need to find several hundred runs from alternative sources every year.

Kohli has remained one of the most consistent performers in IPL history and has repeatedly played a central role in RCB campaigns over multiple seasons.

His ability to maintain high standards across formats and seasons has made him a key figure for both franchise and national cricket.

Influence extends beyond batting numbers

While acknowledging Kohli’s performances with the bat, Bobat stated that the player’s impact within the squad extends beyond runs and statistics.

He highlighted Kohli’s intensity as one of his defining characteristics and said that his energy and commitment levels stand out within the team environment.

According to Bobat, Kohli’s standards influence various aspects of team functioning, including preparation, training sessions and overall conduct.

Franchise management officials have often spoken about building a strong team culture focused on professionalism and consistency.

Bobat suggested that Kohli’s approach aligns closely with the standards that the management has attempted to establish.

Leadership role remains important

Bobat also referred to Kohli as one of the strongest leadership figures within the team regardless of formal captaincy responsibilities.

He said that Kohli continues to influence the environment through his presence, experience and approach to the game.

Leadership roles in cricket frequently extend beyond designated captains, with experienced players often contributing to strategy, preparation and team culture.

Kohli has historically been viewed as one of the most influential figures in Indian cricket and has held leadership responsibilities across formats during different phases of his career.

His role within the RCB environment has also evolved over the years while continuing to remain significant.

Kohli delivers another strong IPL season

Kohli has once again been among the major contributors to Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s campaign during IPL 2026.

Across 13 matches this season, he has reportedly scored 542 runs at an average above 54 while maintaining a strike rate above 164.

The season has also seen him achieve several personal milestones.

During his century against Kolkata Knight Riders, Kohli reportedly became the fastest batter to complete 14,000 T20 runs and the first Indian player to reach the landmark.

The century also marked his ninth IPL hundred, extending his record in the tournament.

Reports also indicated that Kohli became the first player in IPL history to record 500-plus runs across nine different seasons and extended his sequence of 400-plus run seasons.

RCB continue strong campaign

Kohli’s contributions have also played a role in helping Royal Challengers Bengaluru secure a place in the IPL 2026 playoffs.

His performances in important fixtures, including an unbeaten century against Kolkata Knight Riders and a half-century against Punjab Kings, have helped strengthen the team’s campaign.

Observers have noted a more aggressive approach in Kohli’s batting this season while maintaining his consistency at the top of the order.

For Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Kohli continues to represent not only a major source of runs but also a significant influence on the team’s identity and environment.