3 min learnMar 21, 2026 04:02 PM IST
As defending champion Royal Challengers Bengaluru gear up for his or her title defence within the Indian Premier League 2026, the most important icon and talisman of RCB and Indian cricket, Virat Kohli, gave the brand new squad a pep discuss forward of the primary day of their observe session on the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.
Kohli mentioned the gamers have to be switched on mentally and want to provide their 120% because the problem for the facet is simply going to get more durable now that they’ve received the title.
“We labored actually arduous during the last 2 to three seasons to attain what we did final 12 months. It’s solely going to get more durable as a result of different groups are going to return arduous at us. We don’t waste today, we keep forward, so swap on now, let’s not waste even a minute of any session that we’re a part of. We should give our 120% for these two and a half months,” mentioned Kohli in a video launched by RCB on social media.
“I can see from everybody’s face that we’re excited sufficient for the problem,” he added.
WATCH: Virat Kohli’s pep discuss to RCB
RCB head coach Andy Flower welcomed the brand new gamers to the crew and gave a particular shout-out to Vihaan Malhotra and Kanishk Chouhan for profitable the U-19 World Cup for India. He mentioned, “Firstly welcome to everybody. It’s actually particular to see new faces in our group. Venky (Venkatesh Iyer), Mangesh (Yadav), Coxy (Jordan Cox), Kanishk, Vihaan, Vicky Ostwal and Satvik (Deswal), nice to have all of you right here. A particular point out to Kanishk and Vihaan for profitable the U-19 World Cup… that was an awesome effort.”
For the reason that stampede outdoors the Chinnaswamy Stadium, the venue hasn’t hosted any mainstream cricket. Coach Flower mentioned it’s an excellent alternative to be welcomed by followers whereas additionally praising the luxurious inexperienced outfield of the venue.
“Our first two video games are right here at Chinnaswamy, it’s a tremendous alternative to return right here and to be welcomed by our followers,” he mentioned.
Story continues beneath this advert
“Chinnaswamy has not had any cricket right here because the finish of the final IPL, so the outfield is wanting very good, it’s lovely, the grass is lush and inexperienced and beautiful,” added Flower.
The previous Zimbabwe captain was additionally excited to see guys like Kohli and Bhuvneshwar Kumar go about their enterprise within the observe session. He mentioned, “From knowledgeable perspective, it’s sensible watching practitioners go about their work. Some actual masters of the artwork – guys like Virat, guys like Bhuvi (Bhuvneshwar Kumar). They’re actually lovely masters to observe observe.”