Virat Kohli prepares to make his upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL 2026) season through the Indian Premier League (IPL 2026) tournament. The defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will face Sunrisers Hyderabad in their first match which will take place on Saturday March 28 during the 19th season.

RCB entered the upcoming season with complete confidence after their victory in the previous year. The players have begun their training schedule through intensive net sessions which will lead into their upcoming opening match. Kohli maintains his central importance to the team, while fans anticipate another successful season from him.

Kohli achieved excellent results throughout the previous season. The former Indian captain scored 657 runs at a strike rate of 144.71 and maintained an average of 54.75. He recorded eight half-centuries which demonstrated his ability to maintain performance and his batting mastery. RCB appears as strong title contenders, and Kohli will serve as a critical component of their title chase.

Kohli begins his first IPL tournament as the reigning champion from his previous season. He played an important role in helping RCB secure their maiden title. At the final match against Punjab Kings which took place at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad he scored 43 runs from 35 balls. 

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Kohli has shifted his attention to other formats after he left Test and T20I cricket. He has maintained his excellent performance level throughout ODIs and domestic cricket competitions. His recent batting performance includes four centuries and one score in the 90s across his last 10 innings. The new form increase his performance confidence for IPL 2026.

Kohli has played for RCB since the first IPL season which started in 2008. His 267 matches have produced 8661 runs with a 39.54 batting average and 132 strike rate. His best season came in 2016 when he scored 973 runs and achieved four centuries. He has achieved eight centuries and 63 half-centuries throughout his league career.

RCB will start their season opening match against Sunrisers Hyderabad in Bengaluru. The team will play against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on April 5 at the same location. The team will head to Guwahati to play against Rajasthan Royals on April 10. The team will complete their first phase by playing against Mumbai Indians at Wankhede Stadium on April 12.