Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru began their IPL 2026 campaign on a winning note on Saturday, defeating Sunrisers Hyderabad by six wickets in the season opener. Opener Virat Kohli put in a dominant show, as RCB successfully chased down a target of 202 runs.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru's Virat Kohli celebrates after the match on Saturday. (REUTERS)
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The former RCB skipper smacked an unbeaten knock of 69* runs off 38 balls, packed with five fours and five sixes, at a strike rate of 181.58. He was there till the end as RCB reached 203/4 in 15.4 overs.
Speaking on Cricbuzz, former India cricketer Zaheer Khan praised Kohli's performance in the run chase. "I think RCB and Virat will be very happy for batting through the chase. Kohli batted at 180 SR, the others around him batted at 220–250 SR. It just shows the kind of strength that RCB have. The players around him are able to bat with freedom because they know that, more often than not, they will get a fifty at a very high strike rate from him. This allows the others to attack more freely," he said.
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"Devdutt Padikkal has given a trailer for the season. Rajat Patidar does not let the momentum drop in the middle overs, and that gives us an idea of the brand of cricket that RCB are trying to play. And Virat Kohli is a very important cog in that wheel for RCB," he added.
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"Devdutt Padikkal has given a trailer for the season. Rajat Patidar does not let the momentum drop in the middle overs, and that gives us an idea of the brand of cricket that RCB are trying to play. And Virat Kohli is a very important cog in that wheel for RCB," he added.
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Reacting to Zaheer's observation, Murali Karthik agreed with his stance on Kohli.
"Virat Kohli is a Grand Master in chasing. He is plotting the wins. He knows when to step on the pedal and when to take the foot off it. It is incredible, seriously, and he has done it for so many years. Teams must have been plotting against him for years, but he is so sharp that they are simply not able to contain him," he said.
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.
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Home/Cricket/Zaheer Khan, Murali Karthik hail Virat Kohli after RCB’s IPL 2026 opener win: ‘Grand Master in chasing’
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