Virat Kohli walks into IPL 2026 as something he has never been before in 18 years of playing this tournament: a champion. The weight of those 18 years, the three finals, the near-misses, the tears on June 3, 2025 — all of it is now in the past. So what does a liberated, trophy-winning Kohli look like at the crease for RCB in the season to come?
Virat Kohli — IPL Career at a Glance
The Numbers That Make Kohli Irreplaceable
Virat Kohli has scored 8,661 runs in the IPL, the most by any batter in the tournament's history. He has played every single season since 2008 for one franchise only, something no other player in the league can claim. His 2025 season saw him contribute 657 runs across 15 matches including eight fifties, proving he is still the backbone of RCB's batting lineup heading into 2026. Can he push that career total past 9,000 IPL runs this season?
A New Mentality as Defending Champions
There is a school of thought that says winning a long-awaited title can sometimes take the edge off a player's hunger. Is that a concern with Kohli heading into 2026? Those who have watched him for two decades would say absolutely not. Kohli's hunger is not driven by trophies alone. It is driven by the daily standard he sets for himself. As he said after the 2025 final: "There is an end date to our careers. But the fire to give everything until the end still burns bright."
"This is right up there. I have stayed loyal to this team, no matter what. I always dreamt of winning it with them. This is far more special than winning it with anyone else because my heart is with Bengaluru." — Virat Kohli, June 3, 2025
The Opening Partnership With Phil Salt
One of RCB's most potent weapons in 2025 was the opening partnership between Kohli and Phil Salt. Salt scored 403 runs at a remarkable strike rate of 175.98, providing explosive starts in the powerplay that allowed Kohli to play his anchor role with far less pressure. That combination is intact for 2026. How far can this opening pair take RCB in the defence of their title?
What Fans Should Watch For in IPL 2026
Keep an eye on how Kohli handles the pressure of being a defending champion. Watch the way he builds his innings in the opening overs, especially on pitches where the ball does something early. Watch how he responds if RCB have a poor start to the season. And watch whether he can push that career total past 9,000 IPL runs, a milestone that would cement his status as not just the greatest RCB player of all time but the greatest individual in IPL batting history. One thing is certain: Virat Kohli at the crease for RCB in 2026 is appointment viewing.
Key Stats to Watch in IPL 2026
Career IPL runs target: 9,000 (currently 8,661). Season in 2025: 657 runs, 8 fifties in 15 matches. Strike rate trend: consistently improving in the T20 era. Seasons with RCB: 19 in 2026, all for one franchise.