IPL 2026 | 'It eats me up when I don't score': For Virat Kohli, the fire still burns
Virat Kohli showcased his enduring competitive spirit with a masterful unbeaten 105 off 60 balls, powering Royal Challengers Bengaluru to a six-wicket victory. The chase master's composed yet ruthless innings, his ninth IPL century, highlighted his ability to perform under pressure and his unwavering love for batting.
Nearly two years after stepping away from T20Is and a year after bidding farewell to Tests, Virat Kohli continues to show that the competitive spirit burns undiminished. After consecutive ducks had briefly raised questions, he responded on Wednesday night in the only way he knows — with a statement innings. And not just any innings, but an unbeaten 105 off 60 balls that powered Royal Challengers Bengaluru to a six-wicket victory over Kolkata Knight Riders in a chase of 193.
This was the chase master at his most familiar and formidable — composed early on, ruthless once the asking rate climbed, and rock-solid through the middle overs when the contest threatened to drift. Kohli brought up his ninth IPL century in 58 deliveries, but the landmark barely interrupted his rhythm. The tempo never dipped, the intent never wavered.
“The celebration was not a big one because we know the importance of the points,” Kohli said after guiding RCB to the top of the table. “The fact that I did not score runs, it eats me up because I have been playing well. It bothers you because that has been the goal — to be the best version.
Century or no century, the more important thing is to finish the game. ” After the brief lull, a touch of nerves might have been in-evitable. Instead, the former RCB captain embraced the pressure.