Virat Kohli, Royal Challengers Bengaluru 'earned the privilege' of being defending champions: Mohammad Kaif

Mohammad Kaif lavished praise on RCB and Virat Kohli for their title success last season, where Rajat Patidar led them to their maiden IPL trophy.

Published on: Mar 28, 2026, 17:40:02 IST

Written by Neelav Chakravarti

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Mohammad Kaif hailed the Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Virat Kohli for clinching the Indian Premier League title last year. Now, RCB and Kohli take on Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL 2026 opener, and they will be hoping to begin their title defence on a winning note.

RCB's Virat Kohli during a practice session on the eve of the IPL 2026 opener. (HT_PRINT)

RCB and Kohli finished as the runners-up on three occasions: in 2009, 2011 and 2016. They have also made it to the playoffs in ten of the last 18 seasons.

Also Read: Ishan Kishan vs RCB: SRH star’s explosive stats headline IPL 2026 opener build-up

Taking to X, Kaif pointed out it took 18 years for RCB to finally clinch the title. It was also Kohli's maiden IPL title and he has played for RCB since the inaugural edition in 2008.

"It has taken 18 years for RCB and Virat Kohli to earn the privilege of being called defending champions. One of this season's attractions will be to watch an in-form Virat hungry for more. RCB and Virat - what a story. They never gave up, they kept trying. Life is a marathon, have patience, keep running, you will reach your goals", he wrote.

Kohli stepped down from the captaincy after the 2021 season and Faf du Plessis was named as skipper. Current skipper Rajat Patidar became RCB skipper ahead of the 2025 season.

Kohli is the all-time leading run-scorer in IPL history with 8661 runs in 267 matches. He also has the official record for most runs scored in a single season (973 runs in 2016) and the most career tons in IPL (8). Ahead of the 2025 mega auction, RCB retained him for ₹21 crore.

During the 2025 campaign, he registered 657 runs in 15 matches with a batting average of 54.75 and 144.71 strike rate. In the final, he got 43 runs vs PBKS as RCB ended their 18-year title drought and got their maiden IPL trophy.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Neelav Chakravarti
Neelav Chakravarti has been part of the digital sports team at Hindustan Times since 2022, where he covers a wide range of disciplines, including chess, cricket, football, and Olympic sports. Working in a fast-paced digital newsroom, he regularly handles live blogs, breaking updates, and trending stories, combining speed with clarity to keep readers informed in real time. Chess remains both a professional beat and a personal passion for Neelav, and he closely tracks major international tournaments, player narratives, and emerging talents. He is particularly fascinated by the patience, calculation, and strategic depth the game demands, often exploring the psychological side of competition in his writing. Beyond sports journalism, Neelav has a deep interest in visual storytelling and filmmaking, actively participating in film festivals and engaging with independent cinema. He is especially drawn to films that capture the subtleties of everyday life and human relationships, appreciating storytelling that balances realism with emotional depth. This creative interest complements his approach to sports coverage, where he enjoys highlighting the human stories behind performances and results. A history enthusiast by academic training, Neelav holds a bachelor’s degree in the subject and maintains a sustained interest in ancient and medieval Indian history, particularly in cultural and social transitions across eras. His curiosity about the past often shapes his perspective on contemporary narratives and long-form storytelling. When he isn’t tracking scores or developing storylines, Neelav enjoys spending time over the chessboard, relaxing with his cats, or listening to the Empire podcast by Anita Anand and William Dalrymple. He also enjoys reading long-form sports writing that explores the emotional and cultural layers of sport, while maintaining a quiet routine that balances reading, reflection, and occasional time with friends.Read More

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