'Plans targeting Virat Kohli’s perceived weaknesses': Shane Watson opens up on KKR’s strategy for RCB star

Assistant coach Shane Watson has opened up on Kolkata Knight Riders’ (KKR) plans to counter Virat Kohli ahead of their highly anticipated Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 clash against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on Tuesday, May 13.

The former Australian all-rounder, who is currently serving as KKR’s assistant coach, admitted that every team enters the field with specific plans against Kohli, considering the RCB superstar’s consistency and ability to dominate bowling attacks across formats.

Speaking ahead of the contest, Watson highlighted how difficult it is to contain Kohli once he settles at the crease, while also revealing what KKR would ideally want from the veteran batter during the powerplay.

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Shane Watson reveals KKR’s plans for Virat Kohli

Watson stated that most teams try to exploit what they believe are Kohli’s weaknesses, but the former RCB captain’s experience and adaptability make him one of the toughest batters to dismiss.

"Every team has plans targeting Kohli’s perceived weaknesses, but he knows how to navigate these. However, we hope he plays an aggressive shot early, like he did in the last game. We must be sharp from the first ball regardless of who’s at the crease as we look to dominate proceedings throughout," Watson said.

Virat Kohli has once again been one of RCB’s most dependable performers this season and remains central to their hopes as the tournament enters its decisive phase.

KKR eye crucial win against table-toppers RCB

Historically, KKR has enjoyed the upper hand in its IPL rivalry against RCB, winning 20 matches compared to Bengaluru’s 15 victories.

The upcoming fixture will also mark the first meeting between the two sides in IPL 2026.

RCB currently sit at the top of the points table with 14 points from 11 matches, having registered seven wins and suffered four defeats so far this season.

Meanwhile, KKR find themselves in a difficult position at eighth place with nine points from 10 games, managing four wins, five losses and one no-result against Punjab Kings.

With the playoff race heating up, the clash could prove crucial for both teams for very different reasons heading into the final stretch of the league stage.