'Virat Kohli has a tendency in final stages to take too much...': Ex-IND batter warns RCB of entering 'dangerous territory'

UPDATED: May 26, 2026 03:42 PM IST

RCB's Virat Kohli walks out to the field at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad during IPL 2026. (Photo Credit: BCCI)

Story Highlights:

Virat Kohli has 2 fifties from 16 playoffs games.

Kohli has a good record against Gujarat Titans and in Dharamsala.

Former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has cautioned Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) of their star opener Virat Kohli’s record in the Indian Premier League (IPL) playoffs. Manjrekar is of opinion that Kohli takes too much onus on himself in playoffs games and it could be a dangerous territory for the defending champions as they face Gujarat Titans (GT) in Qualifier 1 on May 26 at Dharamsala’s HPCA Stadium. He wants RCB to continue with same template they have followed so far.

“The approach of RCB must remain the same. Virat Kohli is a key player, but everything does not hinge on him, that is how they have become such a good team. It is important for Virat to keep playing in the same fashion, because he has a tendency in the final stages to take too much of the onus on himself, and if he does that, that is dangerous territory for RCB to be in. So, I think they should keep the same template,” Manjrekar said in a Sportstar podcast.

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Kohli’s IPL playoffs record

Kohli does not have the best of IPL playoff records. From 16 games, he has scored 357 runs, averaging 25.50 and striking at 121.42. It includes two fifties as well. In RCB's maiden title-winning season, he was dismissed for a run-a-ball 12 against Punjab Kings (PBKS). In the IPL 2025 final, he scored a 35-ball 43.

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Kohli’s record vs GT

However, he has a good record against GT. From eight innings, he has scored 460 runs at an average of 76.66 and a strike rate of 152.31. He has a century and four fifties against the Gujarat-based franchise.

Earlier in the season, Kohli scored a 44-ball 81 in the successful run chase of 206 at home. In their away game, he departed for a 13-ball 28 cameo in a losing cause.

Kohli’s IPL record in Dharamsala

Kohli has played three IPL games in Dharamsala, scoring 161 runs at a strike rate of 169.47. He has two fifties at the venue.

Kohli in orange cap race

Kohli is currently eighth in the orange cap race. From 14 innings, he has 557 runs from 14 innings at an average of 50.63 and strike rate of 163.82. He has scored a century and four fifties in the season already.