Virat Kohli seems to be taking his recent slump in form in good spirits, preferring humor to frustration as Royal Challengers Bengaluru continue their strong push towards the IPL 2026 playoffs.
After RCB’s important win over Mumbai Indians in Raipur, Kohli was seen downplaying his problems during the post-match celebrations in the team’s dressing room. As he prepared to address the unit, the former RCB skipper first thanked head coach Andy Flower for handing over the microphone before delivering a self-deprecating rant that drew laughter from the room.
“Thanks Andy for giving me a chance to do something in the game today,” Kohli quipped.
That remark may have slipped past some viewers, but it neatly summed up Kohli’s recent struggles with the bat after a torrid start to the season.
The seasoned batsman has been one of RCB’s standout performers in the first half of the campaign, scoring consistently and placing himself firmly in the Orange Cap race. In nine consecutive innings, Kohli reached double figures each time, amassing 379 runs and ensuring stability at the top of the order.
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However, his form has dropped sharply in recent outings.
Kohli has failed to score since the match against Lucknow Super Giants and has registered back-to-back ducks in his last two outings, facing just three deliveries combined. The numbers stand out for his size, but Kohli’s reaction suggested there was little panic in the RCB camp.
More importantly for Bengaluru, the team continued to perform without major contributions from its biggest star.
Their win over Mumbai Indians further strengthened their position in the playoffs and put them firmly in contention for not only a top four finish but potentially a top two finish, which would offer a significant advantage in the knockout stages.
This can be the biggest positive for RCB. In previous seasons the team often looked heavily dependent on Kohli’s output. However, this Bengaluru campaign feels much more balanced, with contributions coming from multiple players from different departments.
Kohli’s relaxed response could also reflect wider team confidence. A brief slump in a long tournament is not unusual, especially for a player who until recently was among the competition’s most prolific batsmen.
RCB now have two matches left in the league stage as they look to seal qualification in style. They next face Kolkata Knight Riders in Raipur on Tuesday, May 13 before traveling to Dharamsala on May 17 for a potentially decisive clash against Punjab Kings.
If Kohli rediscovers his touch before RCB’s title ambitions will only get stronger.
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Issued by:
Amar Panicker
Published on:
12 May 2026 15:00 IST
