Virat Kohli fires stern warning to RCB teammates ahead of IPL 2026, says 'It’s going to get tougher because...'

As the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 draws closer with its March 28 start date, Virat Kohli has issued a rallying cry to his Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) teammates. With a demanding two-month schedule on the horizon, Kohli emphasized the need for total focus, urging the squad to "not waste even a minute" in their preparations for the grueling season ahead.

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The stakes are uniquely high for the franchise this year as they transition from perennial contenders to defending champions. Having finally secured their maiden title last season after an 18-year wait, the team now faces the immense pressure of a title defense.

"We worked really hard over the last two to three seasons to achieve what we did last year, and it's only going to get tougher because other teams are going to come hard at us," Kohli told his teammates.

“We don’t waste these days. We stay ahead. So, switch on now. Let’s not waste even a minute of every session we are part of. We must give our 120% for these two and a half months. I can see from everyone’s faces that we are excited enough to be challengers,” he added.

Watch the video here:

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Virat Kohli, who has already established himself as the most prolific run-scorer in IPL history, enters the 2026 season with yet another monumental milestone in his sights. Over a storied career spanning 267 matches, he has amassed a staggering 8,661 runs, a tally that includes eight centuries and 63 half-centuries.

Heading into this year's tournament, the focus is squarely on his pursuit of the 9,000-run mark. Requiring just 339 more runs to reach the figure, Kohli is poised to become the first player in the league's history to enter this elite club. Given his consistent form over the last three seasons, one again all eyes will be on Kohli as RCB will open their IPL 2026 campaign against Sunrisers Hyderabad on March 28.