Bengaluru: Royal Challengers Bengaluru head coach Andy Flower has expressed strong confidence in star batter Virat Kohli, stating that he is at the peak of his powers ahead of the team’s opening match in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season.
Speaking at a pre-match press conference in Bengaluru, Flower highlighted Kohli’s mental clarity and batting form, noting that the veteran cricketer remains as driven as ever despite his long career.
‘Hungry and in great mental space’
“Virat is in a really good space mentally. He’s very comfortable with himself but still incredibly hungry,” said Andy Flower.
He added that Virat Kohli has looked in excellent touch during pre-season training, with his ball-striking in the nets described as “pristine”.
The remarks come just ahead of RCB’s opening clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad, scheduled for March 28.
Defending champions aim strong start
Royal Challengers Bengaluru enter the 2026 season as defending champions, having secured their maiden IPL title in 2025 after an 18-year wait.
The team will be eager to begin their campaign on a strong note, especially with matches returning to their home ground, the M Chinnaswamy Stadium.
The venue had previously been barred from hosting matches following a tragic stampede during RCB’s title celebrations last year.
Lessons from last season’s home struggles
Reflecting on last season, Andy Flower acknowledged that RCB had faced challenges at home, losing their first three matches at the Chinnaswamy Stadium due to difficult pitch conditions.
“We learned from those experiences. Conditions might be slightly different this time as well, so we’ll have to assess that,” he said.
He emphasised that understanding home conditions better than the opposition would be crucial for success this season.
Kohli’s stellar 2025 season
Virat Kohli played a pivotal role in RCB’s title-winning campaign in 2025. He scored 657 runs at an impressive strike rate of 144, showcasing aggressive intent both inside and outside the powerplay.
His ability to adapt to challenging surfaces and anchor the innings proved vital for the team’s success.
Since stepping away from Test cricket during IPL 2025, Kohli has further refined his approach in white-ball formats, which could be a key factor in the ongoing season.
Fans await Kohli’s performance
With expectations high, fans are eagerly looking forward to seeing Virat Kohli in action once again. His form will be crucial for Royal Challengers Bengaluru as they aim to defend their title.
The opening match against Sunrisers Hyderabad is set to begin at 7:30 pm IST on Saturday.
Conclusion
As the Indian Premier League 2026 season gets underway, all eyes will be on Virat Kohli, whose form and leadership could once again shape RCB’s campaign. With strong backing from coach Andy Flower, the stage is set for an exciting start to the season.