Kohli shared a video of himself playing powerful shots in the nets as he kicked off his training. The 39-year-old looked in good touch while smashing a series of impressive strokes during a practice session at a training centre in the United Kingdom.
In the clip posted on Instagram, Kohli can be seen working hard in the indoor nets. He captioned the post “IPL 2026” along with an hourglass emoji.
The franchise also shared the video, writing, “The run machine looks well oiled. Let’s start #IPL2026 already.”
RCB also created a special tribute for the iconic cricketer, who completed 18 years with the franchise on Wednesday and is set to play his 19th season with the team.
Sharing the post, RCB wrote, “19 seasons, 1 team, 1 legendary name. From a promising youngster in 2008 to an irreplaceable icon of the franchise. #OnThisDay 18 years ago, we signed Virat Kohli through the U-19 Player Draft at the first ever #IPLAuction. Years later, the journey continues with the same passion, the same loyalty, and the same King inspiring all the way.”
Kohli played a crucial role in RCB ending their long wait for an IPL title in 2025. During the previous season, he was the team’s highest run-scorer, amassing 657 runs in 15 innings at a strike rate of 144.71.
The Bengaluru-based franchise defeated Punjab Kings by six runs in the final, successfully defending a target of 191. Kohli was the top scorer for his side in the match, contributing 43 runs off 35 balls.
Having retired from both Tests and T20Is, Kohli now plays only ODIs in international cricket. While he stepped away from the longest format last year, the former India captain retired from T20Is after India’s victory in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in 2024, when they defeated South Africa national cricket team in the final in Barbados.
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