'When he fails for 2 games, I get more excited because...': Krunal Pandya on Virat Kohli's 2 consecutive ducks

UPDATED: May 11, 2026 11:06 AM IST

RCB's Virat Kohli fielding during IPL 2026 match against MI on May 10, Krunal Pandya speaks during post-match press conference.

Story Highlights:

Virat Kohli registered ducks against LSG and MI.

Kohli is 10th on the list of leading run-getters in IPL 2026.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) all-rounder Krunal Pandya played a match-wining knock of 73 against Mumbai Indians (MI) on a pitch that offered balance between at and ball. Krunal batted at no.5 and had much rebuilding to do in the run chase as RCB had lost three wickets for 39 runs in the powerplay overs, including Virat Kohli who registered his second consecutive duck in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. But, Krunal isn’t worried about Kohli’s form as IPL 2026 approaches a tense stage where playoffs spots are at stakes for next couple of weeks. He believes that the RCB opener has a lot of hunger and will come good for the remainder of the tournament.

“Virat Kohli is a champion player. When he fails for two games, I get more excited because I know he will come back. We are never tense about him. He is a different beast, he has a lot of hunger. From here on, I am sure Virat Kohli will do Virat Kohli things," he said.

ALSO READ: RCB head coach punished by BCCI for 'use of audible obscenity' during argument with 4th umpire in tense MI clash

In the run chase of 167 at Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium, Raipur, Kohli was dismissed for a golden duck as he looked to hit Deepak Chahar over mid-off. The bounce got the better of Kohli as he was caught by Raj Bawa. In the previous match, he was knocked over by Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) pacer Prince Yadav's good length delivery.

Krunal Pandya in Press conference 🗣️ -

Krunal Pandya backed Virat Kohli after his rare back-to-back ducks in the IPL, saying there is absolutely no reason to worry about a player of Virat’s calibre. He said Virat’s hunger for runs remains unmatched and champions like him always… pic.twitter.com/vSE0p9Znsx
— Ankur (@flick_class) May 11, 2026

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Kohli 10th in orange cap race

Kohli has fallen behind in the orange cap race. From 11 innings, he has scored 379 runs at an average of 42.11 and strike rate of 163.36. He has three fifties in the season. Currently, he is 10th on the list of leading run-scorers in IPL 2026.

Another chance in Raipur for Kohli

Kohli will have a chance to move on from two consecutive ducks at RCB's second homeground when Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) come to Raipur for May 13 clash.
This will be RCB's first game against KKR in the season. KKR's bowling has improved and it has revived their season and chances of reaching playoffs.

On the other hand, RCB registered their seventh win of the season and find themselves at the top of the points table.