'Kohli doesn't have good numbers against Sandeep Sharma': Virat warned ahead of RR vs RCB IPL 2026 clash

As Rajasthan Royals (RR) prepare to face Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in Guwahati in their next IPL 2026 clash, former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra drew everyone's attention towards Virat Kohli versus Sandeep Sharma matchup. Chopra noted that while Kohli maintains a respectable strike rate against the medium-pacer, the statistics suggest a bit of a struggle for the batting juggernaut. He pointed out that Sandeep’s lack of pace often disrupts Kohli’s rhythm, leading to unforced errors or mistimed shots.

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All eyes on Virat Kohli vs Sandeep Sharma showdown

The statistics back up Chopra’s assessment of Sandeep’s dominance in this rivalry. Over the course of 18 innings, Sandeep has managed to dismiss Kohli seven times, a record that makes him one of the most successful bowlers against the RCB maestro. Despite these frequent dismissals, Kohli has managed to accumulate 132 runs at a brisk strike rate of 150, suggesting that while he can score quickly against Sandeep, he remains at high risk of losing his wicket.

"Sandeep Sharma vs Virat Kohli again is a story because he (Kohli) doesn't have very good numbers against him (Sandeep). The strike rate is decent, but the numbers aren't excellent. He doesn't like playing Sandeep Sharma because he doesn't provide pace," Chopra said on YouTube.

Chopra also noted that Phil Salt and Devdutt Padikkal will be the central figures for the RCB batting unit, particularly given their prolific run-scoring in recent matches. Padikkal, in particular, enters this contest in stellar form, having registered back-to-back fifties against Sunrisers Hyderabad and Chennai Super Kings. Their ability to anchor the innings and provide explosive starts is expected to be vital for Bengaluru’s success in Guwahati.

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However, the former cricketer warned that the RCB top order faces a daunting challenge against the Rajasthan Royals' pace battery. He believes that Jofra Archer and Nandre Burger will pose significant problems with the new ball, utilizing their high pace and ability to extract movement. This opening spell is expected to be a high-stakes "litmus test" for the Bengaluru batters, as they look to weather an early aggressive onslaught from the RR pacers.

"Jofra Archer and Nandre Burger will ask tough questions with the new ball. Phil Salt scored a few runs in the last match. So the focus will be on him. Devdutt Padikkal is in dream form. His most runs have come against RR. So that will be worth watching," he added.

'Vaibhav vs the opposition bowlers'

Chopra expressed intrigue regarding whether young sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi will maintain his aggressive approach against the veteran pairing of Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Jacob Duffy. Sooryavanshi has emerged as a major revelation for the Rajasthan Royals in the 2026 season, amassing 122 runs in just three appearances while maintaining an extraordinary strike rate of nearly 250.

His fearless temperament was most evident during the clash against Mumbai Indians, where he faced Jasprit Bumrah. Undeterred by the challenge, Sooryavanshi famously smoked Bumrah for a six on the very first ball he faced, signaling his intent to dominate even the most elite bowling attacks from the outset of an innings.

"Once again, Vaibhav vs the opposition bowlers. A lot of focus will be on him. Jacob Duffy, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, and either Abhinandan Singh or Mangesh Yadav will be there. Vaibhav Suryavanshi did it to Matt Henry first, then to Jasprit Bumrah and Trent Boult. Will he do it to Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Jacob Duffy now? That's the big question," he concluded.