Kohli: Ive Risked Burnout, Not Being Undercooked, as RCB Open IPL 2026 With Win

Virat Kohli anchored a stylish chase as Royal Challengers Bengaluru opened IPL 2026 with a six-wicket victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. Chasing 202, Kohli remained unbeaten on 69 off 38 balls, and Devdutt Padikkal blasted 61 from 26 as the home side raced to the target in 15.4 overs.

After the match Kohli said, "It's good to get back out there. The last T20 game I played was the final last year, but the way I batted in the recent one-day series really helped me stay in that momentum. I wasn't playing shots that I don't usually play—these breaks help me mentally. I stay fresh, I stay excited. When I come back to play, it's 120%." He added praise for his teammates, noting how Padikkal's 26-ball 61 helped tilt the balance from the start and how the 101-run second-wicket stand set up the win.

Padikkal's quickfire 61 came after a measured start, and Kohli lauded the youngster's performance, saying, "Outstanding knock. Right from the word go, I had plans of going aggressive in the powerplay. But when I saw him play, I was like, just keep putting him back on strike. He completely took the game away from the opposition. I even told him, that shot he hit off the slower ball over mid-on for six—just keep going. He’s hitting the ball amazingly well." Kohli stressed that team success matters more than personal glory, reminding that the group must keep performing.

The chase was anchored by Kohli and Padikkal’s 101-run stand for the second wicket after the team lost an early wicket. The win also carried a tribute to fans lost last year, setting a sombre yet celebratory mood as the league returns. This victory sends a positive signal for RCB’s campaign as they look to build momentum across IPL 2026.

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