RCB Don’t Need Virat Kohli to Win Anymore? Royal Challengers Bangalore Veterans Explain

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As Royal Challengers Bengaluru gear up to defend their maiden IPL title, one thing hasn't changed - Virat Kohli remains the emotional and cultural centre of the franchise. But what has evolved, perhaps for the first time in years, is everything around him.

Speaking on JioStar's IPL Today Live, AB de Villiers captured that balance perfectly: Kohli is still the heartbeat, but no longer the sole lifeline.

"Virat definitely is still the heartbeat of the franchise... through his performances, his presence and the energy he brings to the squad."

That presence, as de Villiers pointed out, goes beyond numbers. It's about the intensity, the standards, and the belief he instils in younger players - something that has defined RCB for over a decade. But IPL 2025 marked a shift.

RCB IPL 2025 championship still fresh

For years, RCB's story often revolved around a few individuals delivering consistently while the rest followed. Last season broke that pattern.

De Villiers highlighted how, even in the final, Kohli's contribution - a steady 43 - wasn't the defining factor. Instead, it was the collective push from Rajat Patidar, Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma and Romario Shepherd that powered RCB to a winning total.

That, more than anything, reflects the biggest change in this side. Kohli is still central, but he's no longer carrying the burden alone.

As de Villiers noted, Kohli can now "sense that he is not the only one carrying the load anymore," with a squad full of players stepping up across phases.

The Virat Kohli constant

If there's one thing that hasn't changed, it's Kohli's preparation. De Villiers didn't hesitate when speaking about it: "He has the best work ethic I have ever seen in my life... he will not come into the tournament undercooked."

After a break from the game since January, Kohli enters IPL 2026 refreshed rather than rusty. For a player of his discipline, time away often sharpens rather than dulls.

And with that comes expectation.

"I am expecting a great season from him... Virat will most definitely be ready."

There's also a growing sense - both within the camp and among former players - that RCB could be entering a dominant phase. De Villiers even hinted at the possibility of consecutive titles, recalling Kohli's own belief: if one comes, more can follow quickly.

A legacy that defines the RCB

While the team has evolved, Anil Kumble made it clear that RCB's identity remains inseparable from Kohli.

"It has always been about someone like Virat Kohli... Virat and RCB will always be synonymous, and I don't think that will change."

Much like MS Dhoni and Chennai Super Kings, Kohli's association with Bengaluru has moved beyond performance into legacy. It's about connection - with the city, the fans, and the franchise's identity itself.

Virat Kohli still evolving

What makes Kohli's story compelling heading into IPL 2026 is that evolution hasn't stopped.

Kumble pointed out that players of his calibre are never satisfied, constantly looking to refine and expand their game. There's even the possibility of Kohli experimenting more - adding shots, taking risks, and adapting further to the demands of T20 cricket.

That hunger to improve, even after achieving everything, is what separates great players from enduring ones.

For RCB, this season could hinge on that balance - Kohli's consistency paired with a squad that now delivers collectively.

He remains the heartbeat. The identity. The standard. But for the first time in a long time, he isn't the entire story. And that might be exactly what makes RCB even more dangerous in IPL 2026.