Irfan Pathan foresees Virat Kohli returning fiercer for IPL 2026, fueled by RCB’s groundbreaking 2025 victory. The ex-India all-rounder insists the win has only sharpened Kohli’s edge for repeated success.
Kohli’s 43 in the Punjab Kings final was match-defining, capping a stellar 657-run season in 15 games as RCB’s top scorer.
Pathan, on GeoStar, captured the essence: ‘Kohli’s drive persists, intensified post-trophy. He’s ravenous for consecutive IPL titles—that insatiable will to dominate endures.’
This was visible internationally too. ‘His urgency shone in ODIs versus South Africa and New Zealand. He’ll bring identical intensity back, gunning for more silverware.’
The campaign starts March 28 in Bengaluru hosting Sunrisers Hyderabad. Devdutt Padikkal, with 247 runs at 150.60 SR last season, earns Pathan’s nod. ‘He’s pivotal—excels everywhere in domestic ranks. Shed past inconsistencies; today’s version oozes self-belief.’
RCB’s transformation delights Pathan. ‘No longer Kohli-centric like the Gayle-de Villiers era, their lineup is a constellation of winners.’
Hazlewood’s fitness is a worry, but solutions exist. ‘Nuwan Thushara and Jacob Duffy provide elite cover, bolstering RCB’s pace attack.’
Expect Kohli to lead RCB’s charge, blending experience with unyielding ambition in IPL 2026.