Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s batting coach and mentor, Dinesh Karthik, commended Virat Kohli for his ability to reinvent himself each IPL season, a quality that inspires teammates and youngsters. Kohli, nearing the 9000-run milestone in the IPL, will play at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi against Delhi Capitals.
Kohli, with 8989 runs, is close to becoming the first player to reach 9000 IPL runs, surpassing other top players like Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan. Karthik highlighted Kohli’s meticulous approach to practice and adaptation, enabling him to stay competitive with newer players.
In IPL 2026, Kohli has scored 328 runs in seven innings with an average of 54.7 and a strike rate of 163. Known for his chasing prowess this season, Kohli has been exceptional with an average of 99.5 and a strike rate of 172 in such situations. Against DC, he has a strong record and aims to continue his success at the venue.
Karthik mentioned how young players like Vihaan Malhotra and Kanishk Chouhan have been observing and learning from Kohli’s practice sessions. He emphasized the invaluable experience of witnessing Kohli’s dedication and strategic approach to practice, which serves as a significant learning opportunity for aspiring cricketers.
Phil Salt will be absent from the upcoming match due to an injury, confirmed Karthik, following his absence in the previous game against the Gujarat Titans.
