Former Indian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin has expressed deep confidence in the experienced batsman. Virat Kohli Ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, where Kohli will represent Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB).
Following his appearance in the ODI series against New Zealand in early 2026, Kohli is set to return to competitive cricket after a three-month break. Ashwin believes that fans can see an unwavering version of Kohli in the upcoming IPL season, who is able to recreate his historic 2016 campaign.
During IPL 2016, Kohli gave one of the greatest batting performances in the history of the tournament. He scored a record 973 runs at an extraordinary average of 81.08 and strike rate of 152.03. That season included four centuries and was instrumental in taking RCB to the final, where they eventually lost to Sunrisers Hyderabad. In recent years, Kohli has maintained remarkable consistency and has crossed the 600-run mark in each of the last three IPL seasons, while averaging over 50 in all.
“Virat Kohli is sitting in a state of complete peace and joy. He has achieved a lot of things, won tournaments, he has now won the IPL as well. He just wants to go after another 50-over World Cup. He can go now and play freely,” Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.
“If he comes with an open mindset, he can bat like he did in IPL 2016. There is an age factor. He can definitely repeat it. If he says, 'Boss, I will just let go and have fun.' Even if he scores 300 runs at a strike rate of 170, it's a job done for RCB.”
AB de Villiers has highlighted the immense importance Kohli has brought to the RCB dressing room. The former South African batsman stressed that Kohli's presence goes beyond just scoring runs. De Villiers said Kohli's infectious energy, intensity and aggressive attitude on the field helped lift the entire team.
De Villiers said on Geostar, “Virat is definitely still the heartbeat of the franchise. Not just because of his performances and the consistency he has achieved with the bat over the years, but also because of his presence and the energy he brings to the team. The way he conducts himself on and off the field, always fighting for the team, stands out. He brings that energy and gives the youngsters the belief that they can eventually go on and win trophies, which RCB is looking for. Did it last year.”
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