As the excitement builds for the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) set to commence on March 28, Mo Bobat, the director of cricket for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), expressed his admiration for the franchise’s legendary figure, Virat Kohli. Bobat emphasized that Kohli’s status as RCB’s icon is unassailable and well-deserved due to his remarkable accomplishments in the league.
“Virat Kohli, without a doubt, will always be the icon and hero of this team. That legacy is here to stay, and he has truly earned it. His performance record is nothing short of extraordinary,” Bobat stated.
Reflecting on Kohli’s contributions, he recalled a moment from the previous season when he noted Kohli nearing the monumental milestone of 9,000 runs over 18 seasons, all while wearing the same jersey. “That’s an average of about 500 runs per season—it’s almost unbelievable. Many players would be thrilled with a 500-run season, yet Kohli maintains that average year after year for nearly two decades. It’s simply astonishing, and we can’t overlook that,” Bobat added.
In terms of statistics, Kohli has represented RCB in all 18 IPL seasons, amassing a total of 8,661 runs, with a personal best of an unbeaten 113. He holds the title of the league’s highest run-scorer, boasting eight centuries and 63 fifties. His most memorable season came in 2016 when he set a record with 973 runs.
Looking ahead to the future, RCB, under the leadership of Rajat Patidar, secured the title in the 2025 IPL season. Bobat hinted that Patidar might continue in the captaincy role, mentioning that both he and head coach Andy Flower have consulted Kohli about the direction of the team. “Andy and I met with Kohli in London shortly after the 2024 season to discuss this. He’s always eager to step up and lead. We emphasized that our decisions impact not just the three of us but the entire RCB franchise. Leadership is a responsibility we take very seriously,” Bobat concluded.