Bengaluru: Royal Challengers Bengaluru head coach Andy Flower has dismissed concerns over Virat Kohli’s long break from competitive cricket, insisting the star batter remains at the “peak of his powers” ahead of the Indian Premier League 2026.

Kohli, who last played during India’s ODI series against New Zealand national cricket team in January, is set to return to action in IPL 2026 after a notable gap. However, Flower believes the break will not impact his performance.

Kohli’s hunger remains intact

Flower emphasised that Kohli’s drive and determination remain unchanged despite nearly two decades in the IPL.

“I’ve been watching him closely in training. He looks super fit, light on his feet, and very hungry,” Flower said during a pre-match press conference.

He added that Kohli’s mental and emotional state is a key factor behind his consistency, describing him as both “comfortable with himself” and deeply motivated to keep improving.

No concerns over match gap

Addressing the gap in competitive cricket, Flower revealed that he had discussed the issue directly with Kohli but saw no cause for concern.

Drawing comparisons from his playing days, Flower said he always enjoyed watching great players practise, citing Sachin Tendulkar as an example.

According to him, Kohli’s timing and ball-striking in the nets indicate he is ready to perform at the highest level.

“He’s aware that he’s playing less cricket, but right now he looks at the top of his game,” Flower noted.

Strong leadership group in place

Flower also praised captain Rajat Patidar, who led RCB to their maiden IPL title last season in his debut year as skipper.

He highlighted Patidar’s calm demeanour and strong dressing-room presence, calling him a respected leader with high integrity.

Vice-captain Jitesh Sharma was also commended for his tactical awareness and energy, particularly given his role as wicketkeeper, which offers a strategic view of the game.

Experience adds depth to squad

RCB’s leadership depth is further strengthened by experienced players like Krunal Pandya and Josh Hazlewood.

Flower described Krunal as a “very clever cricketer” who had one of his best IPL seasons last year, while Hazlewood’s calm presence adds balance to the squad.

He stressed that leadership is a collective effort, not limited to one or two individuals, and credited the team’s overall cohesion.

Focus shifts to new season

While acknowledging the emotional significance of winning their maiden IPL title in 2025, Flower made it clear that the team has moved on.

RCB will enter IPL 2026 as defending champions, but the focus is firmly on the challenges ahead rather than past achievements.

Conclusion

With Virat Kohli showing no signs of slowing down and a strong leadership group in place, Royal Challengers Bengaluru appear well-prepared for their title defence. Flower’s confidence in Kohli suggests that the veteran batter could once again play a pivotal role in RCB’s campaign.