Kohli looks on top of his game – Andy Flower
Virat Kohli returns to IPL action as RCB take on SRH in the IPL 2026 opener in Bengaluru. With Kohli competing in only one format internationally, there were initial thoughts about how comfortable he would be with the rigors of T20 cricket. However, his net sessions ahead of RCB’s season opener made it clear that players like Kohli are always ready.
RCB head coach, Andy Flower opened up on Virat Kohli’s presence in the side while highlighting how fit the King looks ahead of the season. Talking in the pre-match presser on the eve of the clash, Flower also highlighted that Kohli’s hunger continues to drive him forward.
Flower said, “I've always enjoyed watching top-class players practise as much as playing in games. It's really interesting to watch them practise. When I was playing, I used to enjoy watching Sachin practise, for instance. The same goes here, even though I'm coaching. I really enjoy watching masters of their art do their thing. So I've been watching really closely. He [Kohli] looks on top of his game.”
Adding further, Flower stated, “He looks super fit. I was watching him do shuttles the other day. He looks light on his feet, very fit, very lean, very hungry. He's always been very hungry and determined. I think that mental and emotional space that he's in, where he's very comfortable with himself as a person, but he's also very hungry to drive himself as a professional sportsperson, I think he's in a really good spot.”
He concluded by talking about Kohli’s current run of form, stating, “Watching him time the ball and strike the ball in training, I think he's at the peak of his powers. He's aware of the fact that he's playing less, but at the moment, he looks at the top of his game."
