The Unparalleled Influence of Virat Kohli on Royal Challengers Bengaluru
Virat Kohli is widely regarded as the most significant player in the history of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). His presence has drawn millions of fans to the franchise, and Mo Bobat, RCB’s Director of Cricket, has emphasized the importance of not underestimating the star batter. Bobat highlighted that Kohli’s intensity, standards, and leadership continue to inspire the dressing room during the ongoing IPL 2026 season.
Kohli is once again leading the charts for the defending champions, having amassed over 500 runs. Bobat pointed out that Kohli’s value extends beyond just his statistics. “We shouldn’t take Virat Kohli’s performance for granted in any way,” he said in an interview with India Today. “He has once again scored over 500 runs. If Virat Kohli is not there, you will have to find ways to get 500 to 700 runs from somewhere else every year,” he added.
Bobat stressed that Kohli’s influence on the team goes beyond the number of runs he scores. “Apart from runs, he gives you many other things as well,” he explained. “I like his intensity. I feel like I am also intense, but he is way ahead.”
The RCB director also noted the alignment between Kohli’s standards and the culture the team management is trying to build under Andy Flower’s coaching since winning the trophy last year. “His standards align with myself and Andy,” Bobat revealed. “The standards are high when it comes to practice, preparations, and how we pay attention during the matches.”
Bobat described Kohli as one of the strongest leadership personalities. “He is a leader and one of the strongest influences.” Royal Challengers Bengaluru have qualified for the playoffs, and Kohli deserves credit for this achievement. The right-handed batter is ensuring that other batters have the freedom to express themselves in the middle.
Kohli’s recent performance included a century against the Kolkata Knight Riders after two consecutive ducks in the tournament. His knock of 58 runs helped RCB post 222 runs against the Punjab Kings, securing their place in the next round. In 13 matches, Virat has amassed 542 runs at an average of 54.20 and a blistering strike rate of 164.74.
Kohli is the fastest batter to accumulate 14,000 T20 runs and also the first Indian cricketer to reach the milestone. He has hit nine hundreds in the Indian Premier League. Kohli is the first batter in IPL history to post 500-plus runs in nine seasons and has extended his streak of scoring more than 400 runs to 12 editions.
His aggressive batting style is helping other players as well. Earlier, he was criticized for his scoring rate, but the legendary batter has given a befitting reply to his critics. He remains the star of the dressing room, and his teammates are striving to match his training standards.
If RCB are able to defend their title, Kohli’s contributions will be remembered for a long time, considering his consistency and success rate. He has been declared the Player of the Match on two occasions in the Indian Premier League 2026, and the former RCB skipper is once again targeting the Orange Cap, which is awarded to the highest run-getter of the season.
Virat has been brilliant on the field, and his suggestions to regular captain Rajat Patidar are working in favor of the team. He is an asset and the only player to represent a single team in the competition. RCB knows Kohli’s value, and the decision-makers discuss the plans with him before making any conclusions.
RCB fans are hoping for another successful campaign this year.
