Dinesh Karthik, the mentor and batting coach for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), expressed admiration for Virat Kohli following his impressive 45 runs off just 19 balls during the team's second intra-squad practice match in preparation for the IPL 2026 season.

The Greatness of Virat Kohli

After the practice match on Wednesday, Karthik commended Kohli's performance, noting his consistency, strategic evolution, and unwavering commitment to improvement. He highlighted Kohli's vibrant energy and significant impact on the team dynamics, stating, "Today was a good game. Virat's class was evident from the start, showcasing some beautiful shots. What makes Virat great is his ability to come up with a new plan and intent each year. He has clearly elevated his game. This year, I believe he will strive to reach even greater heights, which speaks volumes about his character. His energy resonates with the crowd and during team meetings, which are crucial aspects of his personality." This was shared in a video released by RCB on social media.

Highlights from the First Intra-Squad Match

RCB's first intra-squad warm-up match took place on Monday, where wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma made a remarkable 81 runs off 37 balls, and captain Rajat Patidar scored a rapid 74 runs from 25 balls. Kohli contributed with a swift 29 runs off 12 balls.

Batting first, Venkatesh Iyer's team set a target of 234 runs for 7 wickets, with notable contributions from Jitesh (81), Tim David (36), Iyer (30), and Kohli (29). In response, the opposing team, led by Krunal, scored 247 runs in their 20 overs, featuring standout performances from Rajat (74), Padikkal (63), and Krunal (58).

RCB's IPL 2026 Season Opener

RCB is set to begin their IPL 2026 journey against Sunrisers Hyderabad at their home ground in Bengaluru on March 28.