Excitement is already building around the upcoming IPL season and one name continues to dominate the conversation — Virat Kohli. Former RCB legend AB de Villiers has once again highlighted why Kohli remains the most important figure for Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
AB de Villiers believes Virat Kohli is still the core (heartbeat) of the team. It’s not just about his runs but also about his attitude, energy and the way he leads the side. According to him, Virat Kohli’s presence lifts the entire squad, especially younger players who look up to him and gain confidence from his approach on and off the field.
RCB are set to begin their Indian Premier League 2026 campaign on March 28 against Sunrisers Hyderabad at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. After winning their first title last season, expectations are naturally very high as they aim to defend the trophy.
AB de Villiers pointed out that Virat Kohli continues to lead by example. His consistency with the bat over the years has been remarkable but what truly stands out is the intensity he brings into every game. His mindset and fighting spirit push the team to perform better and believe in winning big tournaments.
At the same time, AB de Villiers appreciated how RCB have evolved as a team. In earlier seasons, the franchise often depended heavily on a few key players. But last season showed a different story, where multiple players contributed in crucial moments.
He highlighted the IPL 2025 final as a perfect example. While Virat Kohli played a steady knock, players like Rajat Patidar, Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma and Romario Shepherd scored quickly and helped the team reach a strong total. On the bowling side, Krunal Pandya also made an important contribution.
This balanced performance showed that RCB are no longer dependent on just one or two stars. AB de Villiers stressed that having multiple match-winners makes a huge difference, as it reduces pressure on Virat Kohli and strengthens the overall team.
He also mentioned that the squad remains largely unchanged, which is a positive sign. With a group of players who are confident and ready to fight together, RCB appear to be in a strong position once again.
As the new season approaches, the combination of Virat Kohli’s leadership and a well-rounded team gives fans every reason to believe that RCB can go all the way and possibly defend their title successfully.
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