Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan believes Virat Kohli will enter the upcoming Indian Premier League season with even greater motivation after guiding Royal Challengers Bengaluru to their maiden title in 2025. According to Pathan, the historic triumph has only strengthened Kohli’s desire to achieve more, particularly the rare feat of winning back-to-back IPL trophies.
Kohli played a crucial role in RCB’s breakthrough season last year. The former captain delivered consistent performances with the bat and finished as the team’s leading run-scorer with 657 runs in 15 matches. His contribution in the final was equally vital, as he scored a steady 43 against the Punjab Kings to help RCB finally lift their long-awaited trophy.
Speaking on JioStar, Irfan Pathan explained that Kohli’s competitive spirit has always been his greatest strength. “The hunger in Virat Kohli will always be there. In fact, he will be even hungrier after lifting the IPL trophy last season. He will want to win back-to-back titles and continue making an impact for his team,” Pathan said.
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The former India pacer also pointed out that Kohli’s passion has been evident in international cricket as well. Pathan referred to the batter’s performances in the recent ODI series against the South Africa cricket team and the New Zealand cricket team, where Kohli looked determined to influence every game. Pathan believes the same intensity will be visible when Kohli returns to the IPL stage this season.
RCB will begin their IPL 2026 campaign against Sunrisers Hyderabad on March 28 at the iconic M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. The venue was recently cleared by the Karnataka government to host matches again after no competitive cricket had been played there since the tragic stampede during RCB’s title celebrations in June 2025, which claimed 11 lives. Authorities have stated that matches will proceed only after final approval from an expert committee.
Pathan also expressed strong confidence in young left-hander Devdutt Padikkal, who could play a key role in RCB’s campaign. Padikkal scored 247 runs in 10 matches last season at an impressive strike rate of 150.60 and has since shown significant improvement in domestic cricket.
“He looks like a very different and confident player now,” Irfan Pathan noted. “There was a time when he was struggling with timing, but that phase is behind him.”
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Another encouraging sign for RCB, according to Pathan, is the team’s improved balance. In earlier seasons, the franchise often depended heavily on the trio of Kohli, AB de Villiers and Chris Gayle. However, the current squad features multiple match-winners across the playing XI. Pathan also addressed concerns about the fitness of Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood.
While injuries remain a possibility, he believes RCB have prepared strong backup options in Nuwan Thushara and Jacob Duffy. With a balanced squad and Kohli’s relentless drive to succeed, Pathan feels RCB could once again be strong contenders for the IPL title in 2026.
