Virat Kohli announces intent with explosive 45-off-19 ball knock:Ex-cricketer predicts RCB legend will ‘look even better this time’

Before the start of IPL 2026, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) star batsman Virat Kohli is looking in tremendous form. In RCB’s second intra-squad match in Bengaluru, Virat Kohli scored 45 runs off 19 balls with a quick innings. Team mentor and batting coach Dinesh Karthik has praised his form and intent. Earlier, in the first intra-squad match played on Monday, Virat had also scored 29 runs off 12 balls. Kohli’s new plan and intent; Karthik says, ‘He is making himself better’ After the match, RCB shared a video on social media. In it, Dinesh Karthik said, ‘Today’s game was good. Virat’s class was evident from the start, he played some excellent shots. Virat’s greatness is that he comes with a specific plan and intent every year. You have seen the level he has taken his batting to. I think this year he will try to do even better.’ Kohli’s support for Phil Salt, who is going through a difficult phase In the video, Virat Kohli was also seen bowling to his opening partner Phil Salt. Salt is currently struggling with poor form in T20 cricket. In the T20 World Cup 2026, he had scored only 130 runs in 8 innings. In such a situation, Kohli, as an experienced senior player, was seen encouraging and supporting Salt. Also Read: ‘Keep emotions in check,’ MS Dhoni’s advice to Suryansh Shedge: PBKS star wants to face Jasprit Bumrah, lauds Shreyas Iyer’s captaincy ‘Patidar-Jitesh’ brilliance was also seen in the previous practice match Before this, in the first intra-squad match held on Monday, wicketkeeper-batsman Jitesh Sharma had scored 81 runs in 37 balls. Captain Rajat Patidar smashed 74 runs in 25 balls. Kohli had scored 29 runs in 12 balls there. In that match, Venkatesh Iyer’s team scored 234/7 batting first. In response, Krunal Pandya’s team won the match by scoring 247 runs. RCB’s inaugural match against Hyderabad on March 28 The IPL 2026 season is starting from March 28. Defending champions RCB will play their first match against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at their home ground, M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.