IPL 2026: Virat Kohli fires up RCB camp; offers THIS advice to teammates

Bengaluru: Charismatic batsman Virat Kohli on Saturday urged his Royal Challengers Bangalore teammates to 'switch on', emphasizing that in their quest to retain the IPL title, they must not waste even a single minute of their practice sessions. Speaking during the first practice session at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Kohli stated that the team must maintain the same spirit and intensity that powered them to victory last year.

What did Virat Kohli say?

Virat Kohli remarked, "We have worked incredibly hard over the last two or three seasons, and that effort is what enabled us to achieve this milestone last year. The road ahead will be even tougher, as the other teams will also pose a formidable challenge." RCB is scheduled to play their opening match against Sunrisers Hyderabad at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on March 28.

Kohli, the highest run-scorer in IPL history, asserted, "We cannot afford to waste any time. If we want to stay ahead of the curve, you need to 'switch on' immediately. Not a single minute of any session should go to waste. We must give 120 percent of ourselves over the next two and a half months."

Who are new additions to RCB squad?

RCB has bolstered its squad by bringing in Venkatesh Iyer, Mangesh Yadav, Jordan Cox, Vicky Ostwal, and Satwik Deswal. Head Coach Andy Flower commented, "The auction was quite exciting, and our squad has certainly improved. We have acquired some exceptional players. It will be thrilling to integrate them into the RCB family alongside our established stars, led by Virat and Rajat."

He further added, "Things will be different this year because we have now won the title. That is a matter of immense pride for all RCB fans. However, the previous season is behind us now, and a new challenge lies ahead. It is incredibly exciting, and we are here to win the IPL." Wicketkeeper-batsman Jitesh Sharma expressed his delight, saying, "Everyone is thrilled to be reunited. It feels wonderful to meet all the coaches again and to get back to training."