‘Switch on, let’s not waste a minute of any session’:Virat Kohli motivates RCB camp ahead of IPL 2026 season opener against SRH

Ahead of the IPL 2026 season opener, Virat Kohli addressed the squad and shared an important message. He reminded everyone that success last season came from hard work and dedication, and that same effort will be needed again. He said, ‘Switch on, let’s not waste even a minute of any session.’ Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have started their preparations for IPL 2026 with strong energy and focus. As defending champions, the team knows that expectations will be higher this season. The players gathered for their first training session at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. RCB will begin their campaign against Sunrisers Hyderabad on March 28 at their home ground. With fans excited and the team motivated, the season promises to be competitive and exciting. Virat Kohli’s strong message for RCB ahead of IPL 2026 opener During the practice session, Kohli encouraged his teammates to stay fully focused and not waste any time. He stressed the importance of giving their best from the very beginning. “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 said. He also highlighted the need to use every training session wisely. “We don’t waste these days. We stay ahead. So, switch on now. Let s not waste even a minute of any session that we are a part of. We must give our 120 per cent for these two and a half months.” RCB signed 8 new players in the mini-auction RCB have made some important additions to their team during the auction. New players like Venkatesh Iyer, Mangesh Yadav, Jordan Cox, Vicky Ostwal, and Satvik Deswal have joined the squad. Head coach Andy Flower shared his thoughts on the team’s strength. He believes the squad has improved and is ready for the new season. “We had an interesting auction and I think we ve improved our squad, to be quite frank. We’ve brought in some great new additions. Integrating them into the RCB way alongside established players led by Virat and Rajat is an exciting part of building this team,” Flower said. Focus on new season, not past success Flower also spoke about the challenge of being the defending champions. He said the team is proud but fully focused on the upcoming season. “There is one difference this year, we’ve got a star on our shirt. That’s a very proud feeling for all RCB fans. But that season is gone. Now we have a new challenge ahead, and it s an exciting one. We’re here to win this year’s IPL,” he added further. ‘Positive team environment’ – Jitesh Sharma Wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma shared that the team atmosphere is very positive. New and old players are bonding well and enjoying their time together. “Everyone was very excited to meet each other. I was excited to get more batting time. I got a chance to meet all the coaches and train again,” he said. Andy Flowers speaks on home-ground advantage RCB will play their first match at the Chinnaswamy Stadium, which is expected to give them a strong start. Coach Flower believes playing at home is a big advantage. “Our first game is here at Chinnaswamy, which is a fantastic opportunity for us to build momentum early and be welcomed by our home fans. The outfield is looking superb, lush, green and beautiful,” he said.