Virat Kohli will be hungrier than ever – Irfan Pathan ahead of the IPL 2026 season

The Royal Challengers Bengaluru are all set to take the field for the upcoming iteration of the Indian Premier League where they will aim for a second consecutive title. RCB will play Sunrisers Hyderabad in the season opener on March 28th at the Chinnaswamy Stadium. One of RCB's key components for success will undoubtedly be Virat Kohli, the franchise's leading run-scorer throughout the tournament's history.

Kohli’s glistening numbers reads a staggering tally of 8661 IPL runs at an average of 54.75. With eight centuries and 63 half-centuries, the former RCB captain has been a formidable force over the years and continues to serve as a beacon of brilliance for the team.

Speaking on JioStar, former Indian fast-bowler, Irfan Pathan, opened up on how Virat Kohli will be more driven than ever. He highlighted how winning the IPL last year might act as a blazing catalyst, fanning the flames for Virat to go all guns blazing.

Pathan said, “The hunger in Virat Kohli will be there. In fact, he will be hungrier than ever, especially after lifting the IPL trophy last season. He will want to win back-to-back IPL trophies. That hunger in him to win and create an impact is always going to be there.”

Highlighting how Kohli is already making the most of his opportunities in the international circuit now, Pathan added, “We have seen that when he played for India, especially in the one-day series against South Africa and New Zealand. He looks like he wants to make an impact in every game. I think he will have the same kind of passion when he comes back this season. He will want to lift the trophy once again.”