Virat Kohli Begins IPL 2026 Preparations With Intense Net Session
Royal Challengers Bengaluru batter Virat Kohli has officially started his training camp for the upcoming Indian Premier League 2026 season. The former captain released footage of a recent net session on his social media accounts, confirming his return to competitive batting drills ahead of the tournament’s scheduled March 28 opening match.
Training Camp Focus and Technique
The latest practice footage shows Kohli working extensively on his timing and shot selection against both pace and spin bowling. Rather than broad adjustments, the session emphasized middle-of-the-bat contact and standard stroke play. Analysts track these early net sessions closely to gauge player fitness and technical readiness leading into the two-month franchise tournament.
Career and Recent Season Statistics
Kohli holds the record for the highest run aggregate in the history of the Indian Premier League. His performance metrics demonstrate long-term consistency since the tournament’s inaugural year.
| Matches | Innings | Runs | Average | Strike Rate | 100s | 50s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 267 | 259 | 8,661 | 39.54 | 132.85 | 8 | 63 |
Reviewing the 2025 Championship Season
During the 2025 season, Kohli delivered high-volume run production that directly supported Royal Challengers Bengaluru in securing their first league championship. Operating at the top of the order, he managed his scoring rate effectively across different match situations.
- Matches Played: 15
- Total Runs: 657
- Batting Average: 54.75
- Strike Rate: 144.71
- Half-Centuries: 8
The Board of Control for Cricket in India is expected to release the complete IPL 2026 fixture list in the coming weeks. Until then, teams continue their independent training camps, and detailed player statistics remain accessible through global cricket databases like ESPNcricinfo.