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“We must give one hundred and twenty percent to defend the title”- these were the first few words from Virat Kohli when the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) kicked off their preparations for the IPL 2026 season.
Kohli asked for full commitment from every player of the squad to retain their hard-earned trophy, which they lifted after a long 18-year wait. Rajat Patidar is the captain of the team, but Virat Kohli is the heart of the franchise. As he had asked them to deliver, they delivered in style.
RCB creates history by winning the title in back-to-back seasons
Royal Challengers Bengaluru is now among the very few franchises who has successfully defended their title. Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings are the other two teams that achieved the same in the past.
Days after winning the 2026 trophy, on the morning of June 9, Virat Kohli shared a heartfelt post from his officials ‘X’ account to reflect the preparations they did to make the achievement possible.
“Started the season with belief. Ended with back-to-back titles. This team lived every emotion together. The highs, the pressure, the hurdles, and the unwavering support. It feels extra special because… this place is HOME,” Virat Kohli wrote in his ‘X’ post.
Started the season with belief. Ended with back to back titles. 🏆
— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) June 9, 2026
This team lived every emotion together. The highs, the pressure, the hurdles, and the unwavering support. It feels extra special because… this place is HOME! ❤️ @RCBTweets pic.twitter.com/H02HdsHCX3
Kohli delivered another masterful season
As the talismanic batter says, success comes through bonding, hard work, and mentality. Since the inception of the Indian Premier League, Virat has been with the same franchise. He witnessed lows, the struggles before climbing to the top of the mountain. Virat calls RCB ‘Home’, as there are countless memories and emotions involved, which are piled up throughout the years.
At the age of 37, when most of the players hang up their pads and boots, Virat Kohli is still hungry to score runs and feels the passion and enthusiasm for the game. The IPL 2026 season was another season where the legendary Indian cricketer finished with over 600 runs.
In IPL 2026, the opener of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru aggregated 675 runs in 16 matches and in any innings for an average of 56.25, and a strike rate of 165.84. According to the demand of the modern-day T20 format, he batted with an improved strike rate. While Kohli’s average strike rate in the league is 134.79, his IPL 2026 season strike rate was over 165.
In the final match against the Gujarat Titans, the Delhi-born played a match-defining knock and kept the ‘chase-master’ title intact. Kohli remained unbeaten for 75 runs from 42 balls to secure the win in the summit clash. His 75-run knock was laced with nine 4s and three 6s.
Virat Kohli ruled out of the India vs Afghanistan ODI series
Meanwhile, Virat Kohli has been ruled out of the India vs Afghanistan ODI series because of a hamstring injury. He received the injury during the final of the IPL 2026 season. As per the recent updates, the batter will need some weeks to regain his match fitness. If the reports are to be believed, then the recovery process can be a six-week-long period.
