Virat Kohli appears to be taking his recent dip in form in good spirits, choosing humour over frustration as Royal Challengers Bengaluru continue their strong push towards the IPL 2026 playoffs.
Following RCB’s important win over Mumbai Indians in Raipur, Kohli was seen making light of his struggles during the team’s post-match dressing room celebrations. As he prepared to address the squad, the former RCB captain first thanked head coach Andy Flower for handing him the microphone before delivering a self-deprecating one-liner that drew laughter from the room.
“Thanks Andy for giving me a chance to do something in the game today,” Kohli joked.
The remark may have slipped past some viewers, but it neatly summed up Kohli’s recent struggles with the bat after a blazing start to the season.
The veteran batter had been one of RCB’s standout performers through the first half of the campaign, scoring consistently and firmly placing himself in the Orange Cap race. Across nine consecutive innings, Kohli reached double figures each time, amassing 379 runs and providing stability at the top of the order.
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However, his form has dipped sharply in recent outings.
Since the match against Lucknow Super Giants, Kohli has failed to score a run, registering back-to-back ducks in his last two appearances while facing a combined total of just three deliveries. For a batter of his stature, the numbers stand out, but Kohli’s reaction suggested there is little panic within the RCB camp.
More importantly for Bengaluru, the team has continued to deliver even without major contributions from their biggest star.
Their victory over Mumbai Indians further strengthened their position in the playoff race, placing them firmly in contention not only for a top-four finish but potentially a top-two spot, which would offer a significant advantage in the knockout stage.
That may be the biggest positive for RCB. In previous seasons, the team often looked heavily reliant on Kohli’s output. This campaign, however, Bengaluru appear far more balanced, with contributions coming from multiple players across departments.
Kohli’s relaxed response could also reflect that wider team confidence. A brief slump in a long tournament is hardly unusual, especially for a player who had been among the competition’s most prolific batters until recently.
RCB now have two league-stage matches remaining as they look to seal qualification in style. They next face Kolkata Knight Riders in Raipur on Tuesday, May 13, before travelling to Dharamsala for a potentially decisive clash against Punjab Kings on May 17.
If Kohli rediscovers his touch before then, RCB’s title ambitions will only grow stronger.
– Ends
