The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) management has introduced a brand new tactical option before the highly anticipated IPL 2026 Grand Final against the Gujarat Titans. During a rehearsal on the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, veteran batsman Virat Kohli was observed bowling extensively within the nets.
The footage of Kohli practicing his bowling has generated great interest on social media, adding further anticipation to the match. Because the defending champions prepare to retain their title on Sunday evening, this minor adjustment highlights the detailed planning of the franchise.
Watch the video here:
🚨🚨 VIRAT KOHLI WAS SEEN BOWLING A LOT TODAY AHEAD OF THE FINAL MATCH
Phil Salt might play tomorrow, and if Salt plays, he’ll open the innings and Venky will play rather than Romario. So Romario’s bowling overs may not be available tomorrow, so the management is preparing… pic.twitter.com/ANxcgN21FB
— Oxygen (@Oxygen18_) May 30, 2026
While this alteration significantly strengthens the top-order batting, it removes Shepherd’s medium-pace bowling options from the team. To fill the absence of a sixth bowler, the management is preparing Kohli to deliver one or two overs through the middle stages of the match.
Virat Kohli Continues to Define RCB’s IPL Journey
When Royal Challengers Bengaluru finally claimed their first IPL title in 2025, Virat Kohli’s emotional response reflected years of dedication, pressure and unwavering commitment. For nearly twenty years, he had been the face of the franchise, piling up runs, breaking records and carrying expectations while remaining loyal despite repeated disappointments within the tournament’s biggest moments.
Kohli’s tears after the victory over Punjab Kings became one of the crucial memorable images of the season. They symbolised greater than just winning a trophy, they represented relief, fulfilment and the top of a protracted wait for each the player and the franchise. The triumph silenced the lingering query of whether Kohli would ever lift the IPL trophy in RCB colors.
The tears say all of it 🥹
An 1️⃣8️⃣-year wait involves an end 👏
Updates ▶ https://t.co/U5zvVhcvdo#TATAIPL | #RCBvPBKS | #Final | #TheLastMile | @imVkohli pic.twitter.com/X15Xdmxb0k
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) June 3, 2025
A 12 months later, Kohli finds himself back in an IPL final, however the context has modified. The elusive title is not any longer missing from his résumé, and RCB aren’t any longer trying to find their first championship. As an alternative, they’re pursuing the chance to change into back-to-back champions.
Yet some things remain unchanged. As Bengaluru prepares for one more final in Ahmedabad, Kohli continues to be the point of interest of the team’s journey. Not because he has anything left to prove, but because no player has represented a franchise quite like he has embodied RCB.
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