Former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan expressed that Virat Kohli, driven by a strong desire for success, is poised to pursue consecutive Indian Premier League (IPL) championships following Royal Challengers Bangalore’s triumph in 2025. Kohli’s instrumental role in RCB’s victory, including a crucial 43 runs in the final against Punjab Kings, positioned him as the team’s top run-scorer for the season with 657 runs in 15 matches.
Pathan emphasized Kohli’s unwavering hunger for victory, particularly evident in his recent international performances against South Africa and New Zealand. He anticipates Kohli’s relentless passion and determination to leave a lasting impact as he aims to secure another IPL trophy in the upcoming season.
The IPL 2026 season will kick off with RCB facing Sunrisers Hyderabad on March 28 at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. The stadium, approved by the Karnataka government for IPL matches after a hiatus due to a tragic incident during the team’s 2025 IPL victory celebrations, awaits final clearance from an expert committee established by the state government.
Devdutt Padikkal, a left-handed top-order batsman, has garnered praise from Pathan, who believes Padikkal’s stellar performances in domestic cricket across formats will be pivotal for RCB’s success in the upcoming IPL season. Pathan highlighted Padikkal’s significant improvement and confidence, underscoring his potential to play a crucial role in the team’s campaign.
Pathan commended RCB’s transformation from relying heavily on individual star players like Kohli, AB de Villiers, and Chris Gayle to fostering a more balanced team comprising multiple match-winners. He lauded the team’s depth and versatility, emphasizing the shift towards a collective approach to winning matches rather than depending solely on a few key players.
In light of potential injury concerns, particularly surrounding Josh Hazlewood’s fitness, Pathan noted RCB’s strategic backup plans. With contingency options in place, including Nuwan Thushara and Jacob Duffy to cover for Hazlewood if needed, RCB is poised to enter the IPL 2026 season with a robust and well-prepared squad.
