Virat is the standard bearer – Mo Bobat on how the King inspires everyone at RCB

The Royal Challengers Bengaluru entered an elite group when they lifted their second IPL title, defeating the Gujarat Titans in the 2026 final. Virat Kohli played a very special knock in the summit clash and stayed unbeaten to usher RCB to the finish line.

As part of what will be a very special series, RCB released the first episode of RCB’s Trophy Quest: The Second Act. In the series' first episode, RCB’s Director of Cricket, Mo Bobat, discussed how Virat Kohli remains the beacon of excellence for everyone on the team.

Explaining the Kohli effect, Bobat said, “Virat, in very different ways, also incredibly unique. You know, I think everybody knows what Virat's capable of and what he means to this franchise. He scored, I think, what, 670-odd runs this season at about 165. I don't know how many players doing that or better in the league. And I think it's fair to say in the latter half of his career, he's still adapting, growing, improving, and setting the standard.”

Highlighting the elements that make Virat stand out, Bobat added, “But in particular, the things that Andy and I certainly really appreciate about him, and two things really. Number one, Andy and I never really have to spend too much energy on, like, providing the intensity to the group. Like, Virat provides the intensity often. He doesn't really do second or third gear, so that's great.”

He concluded by explaining how Virat keeps everyone pumped, adding, “And I think the other thing also about Virat is that he's the standard bearer. So players don't practice sloppily because he doesn't practice sloppily. Players get in the gym and do their prep work because they see him getting in the gym doing his prep work, or they contribute in meetings because he's switched on in the meeting. Whatever it is, like, if he's the standard bearer and he is this icon, like, we all have to follow.”