Bengaluru - South African batting legend AB de Villiers has highlighted the everlasting impact of Virat Kohli on Royal Challengers Bengaluru, describing him as the core identity and driving force behind the success of the defending champions both on and off the field. As the team prepares to launch its Indian Premier League 2026 campaign against Sunrisers Hyderabad at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on March 28, expectations have soared following their historic title victory in 2025.
Discussing Kohli's role within the squad, de Villiers emphasized that his influence extends far beyond the runs he scores, as per agency report. The former cricketer pointed out the immense energy and self-belief that Kohli instills in the team, particularly among the younger players. He noted that Kohli remains the heartbeat of the franchise, not only due to his consistent performances with the bat over the years but also because of his commanding presence and the fighting spirit he brings to the camp. His demeanor on and off the field serves as an inspiration, making the youth believe in their ability to step up and secure championships, just as the team did last year.
Reflecting on the successful 2025 campaign, de Villiers observed a significant shift in the team's approach. He mentioned that the franchise moved away from its past habit of relying heavily on just two to four key players. Instead, the recent triumph was built on collective efforts. While Kohli continued to be one of the primary run-scorers at the top of the order, other squad members consistently stepped up to deliver crucial performances.
Recalling the Indian Premier League 2025 final where the franchise clinched its maiden title, de Villiers highlighted that although Kohli anchored the innings with a steady knock of 43 runs off 35 balls, the aggressive contributions from the rest of the batting lineup were equally vital. Players like Rajat Patidar, Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma, and Romario Shepherd scored at high strike rates, propelling the team to a match-winning total of over 190 runs. Additionally, Krunal Pandya played a crucial role with his bowling performance.
The South African great further stressed that having a well-balanced squad has significantly reduced the pressure on Kohli, allowing him to thrive in a more cohesive team environment. With players contributing consistently throughout the season and a strengthened bowling attack, Kohli no longer has to carry the burden of the team alone. Surrounded by a group of determined players eager to win, the team finds itself in a very strong position. Since the core squad remains largely unchanged, de Villiers expressed confidence that the defending champions have every reason to believe they can go the distance once again in the upcoming season.
