Former South African captain AB de Villiers highlighted that Virat Kohli didn’t carry the whole load of batting on his shoulders in the previous season as other players chipped in at crucial stages of the tournament. RCB defeated Punjab Kings by six runs in the previous edition of the tournament under Rajat Patidar’s captaincy.
Kohli scored 43 runs off 35 balls in the summit clash against the Mohali-based franchise in Ahmedabad. The talisman played an instrumental role in taking RCB to glory in IPL 2025 as he scored 657 runs in 15 matches of the tournament at an average of 54.75 and a strike rate of 144.71. He was the leading run-getter for the franchise in the previous edition.
AB de Villiers said on Star Sports, “Last season, other players stepped up, something RCB were guilty of in the past, having only two to three players performing on a regular basis. The entire team chipped in, and the final was a great example. Virat scored 43, but it was actually Patidar, Livingstone, Jitesh, and Shepherd who scored with a high strike rate. It’s Krunal Pandya and the other bowlers chipping in throughout the season, which makes Virat feel and sense that he’s not the only one who has to carry the load.”
AB said Kohli is still the backbone of RCB in the IPL as he brings a lot of energy to the squad.
“He definitely is (heartbeat of the side) and not only through performance. It’s more just being part of the furniture and the energy he brings to the squad. The way he works and conducts himself on and off the field, the energy he brings makes the youngsters believe. He is still the backbone of the RCB team.
On the other hand, former Indian captain Anil Kumble said Kohli will come into IPL 2026 with a different outlook as players like him always try to improve.
“Great players like him look to improve, and they won’t be satisfied. Let’s not be surprised if he comes this season with a different outlook and tries the scoop shot or the reverse scoop. He may add to his batting repertoire as well. That’s something you don’t discount with a great player, as they are constantly looking to evolve,” said Kumble (via the aforementioned source).
RCB will begin their IPL defense against Sunrisers Hyderabad in Bengaluru on 28th March.
