BENGALURU : Virat Kohli made an immediate impact in the new Indian Premier League season, scoring an unbeaten 69 to guide Royal Challengers Bengaluru to a six-wicket win over Sunrisers Hyderabad in the opener.
The 37-year-old, who has stepped away from Tests and T20 Internationals to focus solely on ODIs, looks refreshed and sharp. His decision to reduce workload appears to be paying off, allowing him to maintain peak performance and hunger for runs.
RCB captain Rajat Patidar praised Kohli’s influence, calling him the team’s “number one chase master” and highlighting his energy and consistency both in training and matches.
Kohli himself admitted that playing just one format has helped him stay mentally fresh after years of intense scheduling, reducing the risk of burnout while keeping his competitive edge intact.
The victory also carried emotional weight, as RCB paid tribute to fans who lost their lives during last season’s celebrations, making the winning start even more meaningful for the team and its supporters.
