Virat Kohli’s base shift to London along with his family has been the subject of significant debate on social media with critics pointing fingers at his residence. With personalities like Kohli and his actress wife Anushka Sharma, living a normal life in India is extremely difficult as fans and media flock to them every time they step out of their house.
Another aspect that played a huge role in Kohli and Anushka moving out was their children as the star couple wanted to raise their son and daughter away from the glitz and glamour. While Anushka is believed to have taken a break from her career to raise her children, Kohli often returns to India to play for India and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the IPL.
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Kohli has already retired from Tests and T20Is and only plays in the 50-over format for India. He was last seen in national colors on home soil back in January when the Men in Blue hosted New Zealand. With a break of almost two months, Kohli is back with a bang for RCB, leading the defending champions with an unbeaten half-century against Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL 2026 opener in front of the home fans.
The decision to stay away from the constant limelight has not affected Kohli’s performances. Rather, the long breaks helped the former Indian captain to be mentally fresh and enthusiastic and give 120% on the field. The 37-year-old finally broke his silence on the ‘overseas’ rant in a light-hearted exchange with popular RCB personality Mr Nags.
“People are saying many things about you on social media. People are saying that RCB is playing five overseas players,” Mr Nags said. Kohli paused before laughing and jokingly replied: “I don’t know. Why are you asking me? Ask the overseas players. I’m not an overseas player. Am I an overseas player?”
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Virat Kohli remembers the night of June 3, 2025
Like last season, RCB managed to keep their core intact. They may have picked a few in the auction, but it is almost the same XI that fielded during their first winning campaign in IPL 2025. It may have taken RCB time to lift the trophy in the 18th season, but the triumph brought a sense of relief among the players.
In fact, RCB tasted success at the fourth attempt, reaching the final in 2009, 2011 and 2016. Kohli admitted that on the night of June 3, 2025, everything was shining brightly, at least for him. “I heard about this statement or this saying, four years, monkey off my back. That night I really felt what it meant. Everything became clear,” Kohli added.
In fact, Kohli is the only player in IPL history to play for one franchise. Father-of-two Kohli also took a deep dive into what success meant to him after years of perseverance and dedication. “Winning is the accumulation of all the hard work and sacrifices you’ve made.
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“It all comes together as a reassurance, a reward, to know that you haven’t wasted your time. A lot of people learn from losses, but a lot of people can also be very dejected. So when you win after a lot of hard work, it gives you a sense of justice for the work you put in and it also gives you the motivation to work harder,” Kohli said.
What’s next for Virat Kohli & RCB?
With the win in their pocket, Kohli and co will travel to Chepauk to take on Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in IPL 2026 at the M Chidambaram Stadium on Sunday. For the record, CSK have lost both their matches so far this season.
After being humiliated by Rajasthan Royals to open the campaign, the five-time champions put up an improved batting show against Punjab Kings. However, the Shreyas Iyer-led side came through again with five wickets and 10 balls in hand.
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