Virat & Salt in RCB’s home team match (Image Credit: RCB/IPL)
Virat Kohli smashed a quick 45 off just 19 balls in RCB’s second intrasquad match in Bengaluru ahead of IPL 2026. RCB’s mentor and batting coach Dinesh Karthik has lauded the veteran batsman’s intent and form.Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) shared a video on social media after their second practice match on Wednesday, with Karthik praising Kohli’s performance in the warm-up match.“Good match today. Virat’s team went very well in attack, played some great shots. The beauty of Virat is that every year he comes with a plan and a certain intention. I’ve seen how he has really stepped up what he wants to do. I feel like this year he will try to become even better.
This says a lot about the person he is. He is always trying to push his limits. “And also the energy he brings to the crowd and the meetings, those are big things, and that’s a big part of Virat’s character,” Karthik said.
Kohli assisted Salt
Earlier, Kohli was also seen in the bowling video of his opening partner Phil Salt, who is going through a tough patch in T20 cricket. Although Salt struggled in the 2026 T20 World Cup, where he scored just 130 runs in eight innings, Kohli has shown strong support for his teammate.
Kohli’s intention ahead of the new season is clear, and with his experience and current form, he is expected to play a crucial role for the defending champions.RCB had earlier played their first in-squad match on Monday. In that match, wicketkeeper-batsman Jitesh Sharma scored 37 balls (81), while skipper Rajat Patidar smashed 74 off 25 balls. Kohli also contributed with 29 fastballs off 12 balls.Batting first, the Venkatesh Iyer-led team scored 234/7, with contributions from Gitesh (81 off 37), Tim David (36 off 14), Iyer (30 off 16), and Kohli (29 off 12). In reply, the Krunal Pandya-led team scored 247 runs, with Rajat Patidar (74 off 25), Devdutt Padikkal (63 off 33) and Krunal (58 off 33) putting in an outstanding performance.The IPL 2026 season will begin on March 28, with Sunrisers Hyderabad taking on Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.RCB upcoming matchesvs. CSK – April 5 (Bengaluru).vs RR – April 10 (Guwahati)vs. Michigan – April 12 (Mumbai)
