New Delhi: The mere presence of Virat Kohli Enough to raise standards in the dressing room. His intensity, work ethic and never-say-die attitude have long made him the heartbeat of Royal Challengers Bangalore, and IPL 2026 was no different. Kohli was instrumental in RCB’s second consecutive IPL title, finishing as the franchise’s highest run-scorer and fourth overall in the tournament. The batting superstar scored 675 runs in 16 matches at an average of 56.25 and a strike rate of 165.85, including a match-winning 75 in the final against Gujarat Titans. RCB’s all-rounder Krunal Pandyawho was part of the franchise’s back-to-back title-winning campaigns in 2025 and 2026, spoke in detail about Kohli’s influence on the team and his own career. In conversation as Guest Sports Editor at The Times of India.Asked about Kohli’s impact on the group, especially when it comes to fitness and motivation, Krunal said the former India captain inspires everyone with his demeanor.“He leads by example. The hunger he still has to perform and win is impressive. Sometimes people get complacent after one or two wins, but then you see someone who has made excellence a habit. You can still see his love for the game. If that love and hunger continues, the sky’s the limit.”Krunel pointed to Kohli’s response to adversity during IPL 2026 as an example of the champion mentality that has defined his career.“After 11 games this season, he had two ducks and people asked me if we were worried? I told them I was excited. He had two back-to-back zeroes and then went out and scored a match-winning century. He inspires people with his actions in the dressing room and outside,” he said.For Krunal, Kohli’s competitive spirit and passion to win is also a source of personal inspiration.When asked if Kohli has influenced him personally, the all-rounder replied: “One hundred percent. I am also someone who plays aggressive cricket and likes to win. It doesn’t mean I am a pretty loser, but I like to win.”“The way we approach the game is similar. Over the years, I’ve spent a lot of time with him. Sharing the dressing room with him has been special. He’s a leader in every sense of the word. There’s no doubt about that,” he said.
