Don’t Take Virat Kohli for Granted: RCB Director’s Powerful Message
“Don’t Take Virat Kohli for Granted”: RCB’s Mo Bobat on the Irreplaceable King of Bengaluru
When it comes to Royal Challengers Bengaluru, one name towers above the rest—Virat Kohli. And now, the franchise’s Director of Cricket, Mo Bobat, has issued a powerful reminder: never take Kohli’s presence or performance for granted.
As RCB charge into the IPL 2026 playoffs, Bobat has placed the spotlight firmly on Kohli—not just for his runs, but for his relentless standards, leadership, and culture-defining influence behind the scenes.
More Than Just Runs: Kohli’s Unmeasurable Impact
Kohli has once again crossed the 500-run mark this season—542 runs in 13 matches, to be exact—averaging 54.20 with a strike rate of 164.74. But according to Bobat, the true value of Kohli cannot be captured in statistics.
“We shouldn’t take Virat Kohli’s performance for granted in any way,” Bobat told India Today. “He has once again scored over 500 runs. If Virat Kohli is not there, you will have to find ways to get 500 to 700 runs from somewhere else every year.”
That’s not just high praise—it’s a sobering reality check. Losing Kohli wouldn’t just mean losing a top-order batter. It would mean losing a cornerstone of RCB’s entire batting structure and team ethos.
Intensity That Inspires a Culture
Bobat, known for his own high standards, admitted that Kohli’s intensity sets the tone for the entire squad. “I like his intensity. I feel like I am also intense, but he is way ahead,” he said, drawing a direct link between Kohli’s approach and the team culture being built under coach Andy Flower.
“His standards align with myself and Andy. The standards are high when it comes to practice, preparations, and how we play during the matches,” Bobat added.
That culture—one of discipline, consistency, and relentless pursuit of excellence—has been instrumental in RCB’s title defense this season. And Kohli remains at the heart of it all.
A Leader Who Shapes Generations
Beyond the numbers and net sessions, Bobat emphasized Kohli’s role as a leader. “He is a leader and one of the strongest influences,” he said, highlighting how younger players model their work ethic after Kohli.
Even though Rajat Patidar now wears the captaincy armband, Kohli’s voice carries immense weight in the dressing room. His tactical input, on-field energy, and ability to steady the ship after setbacks—like bouncing back from two consecutive ducks with a century against KKR—have been pivotal.
His 58-run knock against Punjab Kings helped RCB post a mammoth 222, while a crucial win in Dharamsala sealed their playoff berth. He’s also earned Player of the Match honors twice this season—all while quietly chasing another Orange Cap.
The Legacy of Consistency
Kohli’s achievements now border on the historic. He’s the fastest batter to reach 14,000 T20 runs and the first Indian to do so. With nine IPL centuries, he stands tall among the greats. He’s also the only batter in IPL history with 500+ runs in nine seasons—and has crossed 400 runs in 12 consecutive editions.
Crucially, he’s the only player to represent a single franchise throughout his IPL career. That loyalty, combined with performance, makes him not just a player—but a symbol of RCB itself.
The Man They Build Around
Bobat confirmed that major team decisions are discussed with Kohli, reflecting the trust the management places in him. His aggressive batting this season has also created space for others to flourish, embodying the selfless yet dominant style that defines his legacy.
As RCB eyes a successful title defense, one truth remains undeniable: Virat Kohli isn’t just part of the plan. He is the plan. And as Mo Bobat made perfectly clear—never take that for granted.
