Virat Kohli’s Dedication Before Rain-Marred RCB vs KKR Match Stuns Irfan Pathan

Irfan Pathan praised Virat Kohli’s hunger, preparation, and fitness after the RCB batter smashed a brilliant century against KKR in IPL 2026 following two consecutive ducks.

Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan shared an inspiring story about Royal Challengers Bengaluru star Virat Kohli following RCB’s six-wicket win over Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2026 on May 13 in Raipur.

With rain delaying the start of the match, Pathan revealed that Kohli was the first player to inspect the conditions and study the pitch before the game. The former India batter had entered the contest after registering back-to-back ducks, but according to Pathan, his focus and determination to bounce back stood out immediately.

“Virat Kohli is not just the name of a player but it is an emotion. The ground was wet, we were preparing for the game. It was raining. I saw Kohli came out to the ground first. He was looking at the ground, the pitch, how wet it is. All other players came after him. This is that guy who has achieved everything. But after two zeroes, he came first to the ground as he wanted to plan and make an impact. He wanted it to not rain again and for the match to happen. He was so keen, just after a small failure, so keen to overturn that failure,” he said on his YouTube channel.

Kohli Returns To Form With Stunning Century Against KKR

Chasing 193 runs against KKR, Kohli anchored the innings with an unbeaten 105 off 60 balls, smashing 11 boundaries and three sixes at a strike rate of 175. The innings marked his ninth IPL century, the highest by any batter in the history of the tournament.

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After suffering two consecutive ducks before the game, Kohli celebrated emotionally after scoring his first run, something that caught Pathan’s attention.

“He enjoyed that first run and was so happy. It felt like some small kid, who gets so happy for a run, it was like that. Before the game began, I had told that if some player can go back to his old template in the same tournament, that is only one guy – Virat Kohli. This season he has played 30% aerial shots. In this game, it was needed to go back to his old template. If there is one player who can switch so nicely, it is Kohli,” he stated.

Pathan also praised Kohli for adapting his batting approach according to the conditions and finishing the chase in trademark fashion.

The victory pushed RCB to the top of the IPL 2026 points table with 16 points from 12 matches as the defending champions strengthened their playoff push.

Irfan Pathan Applauds Kohli’s Incredible Fitness At 37

Apart from Kohli’s batting masterclass, Irfan Pathan also highlighted the veteran batter’s elite fitness standards. Out of his unbeaten 105, Kohli scored 43 runs through singles and doubles, once again showcasing his sharp running between the wickets.

“When I saw Kohli in 2008 and then in 2011, improving his fitness and cricket from there, one thing has not changed even till 2026, his fitness. At this age as well, if you are running and making most of your runs in T20 cricket, your fitness is unbelievable. Overall, he countered all the bowlers well and played a match-winning knock. Pure masterclass from his bat. You have to learn from his batting,” he said.

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Kohli has now accumulated 484 runs from 12 matches in IPL 2026 at an average of 53.77 and a strike rate of 165.75, including one century and three half-centuries. He currently trails only Sai Sudharsan and Heinrich Klaasen in the race for the Orange Cap.