Bengaluru, March 28 (NationPress) Renowned batter Virat Kohli expressed that his recent performance in ODIs significantly contributed to his ability to sustain rhythm and momentum as he made his return to T20 cricket. He achieved an impressive unbeaten score of 69 runs in the Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s dominant six-wicket victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad during the IPL 2026 opener at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium.

“It feels great to be back on the field. Regarding T20 cricket, my last match was the final last year, but I believe that my recent batting in the ODI series has helped me maintain that momentum. I wasn’t playing any shots outside of my usual repertoire,” stated Kohli.

“I was confident that as long as I maintained my rhythm and continued to work hard on my physical fitness behind the scenes, everything would align perfectly. Tonight was another opportunity to kick off strongly and build on that,” Kohli remarked to the broadcasters following the match.

Kohli captivated the RCB home fans with his stellar performance, scoring 69 runs off 38 balls, which included five fours and five sixes. This achievement marked his 64th IPL fifty and made him the first player in IPL history to surpass 4000 runs in successful chases.

Reflecting on his hiatus from T20s due to participating solely in ODIs for India, Kohli noted, “Given the scheduling over the past 15 years and the volume of cricket I’ve played, I’ve always been at risk of burnout rather than being unprepared. These breaks are beneficial for my mental state; they keep me fresh and excited for the game.”

“When I return to play, I give it my all. I refuse to come back unprepared. In fact, the additional rest aids in my mental refreshment. As long as I’m fit and mentally engaged, both aspects will work harmoniously, allowing me to contribute to the team effectively. As a player, it’s not just about holding a position; it’s about continuously performing and working hard for the team,” he added.

Kohli also praised Devdutt Padikkal for his explosive innings of 61 runs off 26 balls, which set the foundation for RCB's chase of SRH’s total of 201/9, achieving victory with 26 balls to spare and commencing their title defense on a high note. “What an outstanding innings! From the very start, I aimed to play aggressively in the powerplay. But seeing him perform, I decided to keep him on strike and capitalize on the odd boundary. He completely dominated the game,” he said.

When asked about his conversation with Padikkal during the match, Kohli remarked, “I even encouraged him when he hit that six off the slower ball over mid-on, telling him to keep going. He was striking the ball beautifully, so I urged him to maintain that momentum and take the game away from the opposition.”

“Finishing with 25-26 balls remaining will also benefit our net run rate. His innings was phenomenal. I’ve observed his talent closely, and he’s now showcasing it effectively.”

“His performance comes on the back of a fantastic domestic red-ball season. His timing, head position, and balance are absolutely world-class. I am well aware of what he can achieve with the bat when he is confident, and tonight was a testament to his raw talent,” he concluded.