Virat & Salt in RCB Intra Squad Match (Image Credit: RCB/IPL) Virat Kohli smashed a quick-fire 45 off just 19 balls in the second match between RCB teams in Bengaluru ahead of IPL 2026. The veteran batsman’s intent and form was praised by RCB mentor and batting coach Dinesh Karthik.Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) shared a video on social media after their second practice session on Wednesday where Karthik praised Kohli’s performance in the warm-up match.“Good game today. Virat’s class came forward quite nicely, played some beautiful shots. What’s great about Virat is that every year he comes with a plan and an intention. You’ve seen how he’s really improved on what he wants to do. I feel like he’s going to try to be even better this year. It says a lot about the person he is. He’s always trying to push the big things and brings energy to the crowd and meetings. That’s a big part of Virat’s personality,” he said Karthik.
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Kohli helped Salt
Earlier, Kohli was also seen in a video bowling with his opening partner Phil Salt, who is going through a tough time in T20 cricket. Despite Salt’s struggles at the T20 World Cup 2026, where he scored just 130 runs in eight innings, Kohli showed strong support for his teammate. Kohli’s intent ahead of the new season is clear and with his experience and current form, he is expected to play a vital role for the defending champions.RCB earlier played their first match as a team on Monday. In that game, wicketkeeper Jitesh Sharma scored a 37-ball 81 while skipper Rajat Patidar smashed a blistering 74 off 25 balls. Kohli also contributed a quick 29 off 12 balls.The Venkatesh Iyer-led team batted first at 234/7, with contributions from Jitesh (81 off 37), Tim David (36 off 14), Iyer (30 off 16) and Kohli (29 off 12). In reply, the Krunal Pandya-led team scored 247 with Rajat Patidar (74 off 25), Devdutt Padikkal (63 off 33) and Krunal (58 off 33) putting in outstanding performances.The IPL 2026 season will begin on March 28 when Sunrisers Hyderabad take on Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.RCB Upcoming Matchesvs. CSK – April 5 (Bengaluru)vs. RR – April 10 (Guwahati)vs MI – April 12 (Mumbai)
