Ahead of the tournament opener of the IPL 2026 season, the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) Director of Cricket has made some big comments on the team, who will be on the field to defend their hard-earned trophy. During the latest conversation with the media, Mo Bobat told why Virat Kohli is important for the team.
Virat Kohli has been associated with RCB since the beginning of the franchise league. He and the team had to wait for 18 years to achieve their first Indian Premier League trophy. In the final of IPL 2025, Bengaluru defeated Punjab Kings (PBKS) by just a few runs.
Mo Bobat explains why Virat Kohli is the pivot of the team
In the next Indian Premier League season, which begins on March 28. As defending champions, RCB will play the first game. Match number 1 of IPL 2026 will be between Bengaluru and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH).
Winning the first IPL trophy after a wait of 18 years was described as a misfortune that finally broke. Bobat doesn’t want to call it dystopian. For him, it’s all about perception. The RCB boss explains that most players will come and go, but Virat Kohli is different as he remains with the team through all the ups and downs.
Mo Bobt told the media, “I wouldn’t call it dystopian. Players come and go. Fans will be chasing that elusive trophy. But this is my second year at RCB, so I am not carrying that burden. It is unique for Kohli, he has gone through ups and downs. For some players, it is their first season. We have to start this season with humility.”
RCB boss has big ambitions for opening batsman Phil Salt
It is expected that Virat Kohli will open the innings with Phil Salt of England. The pairing of Salt and Kohli proved effective in the IPL 2025 season. While Salt can play explosive innings by exploiting the fielding restrictions in the powerplay, Virat can play long innings in any conditions. Along with Virat, the management also has high expectations from Salt.
“We got a high-quality endorsement. Someone like Salt is still one of the top two to three batsmen in T20. He enjoys his partnership with Kohli, there are some gladiators running out. We have a lot of confidence in Salt”, Mo Bobt said.
Phil Salt’s IPL 2025 batting stats in brief
Salt performed in a systematic manner last season, scoring 403 runs in 13 matches and as many innings at an amazing strike rate of 175.98. Over the course of as many games, the batsman registered 4 half-centuries. He hit 48 fours and 22 sixes to increase the run rate of the team.
In the upcoming season, Slat will play as the team’s opener like before. Fans and team management want to see a lot of runs from his bat, so that they can defend their title.
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