Virat Kohli is set to return with fire for IPL 2026, having led RCB to their first-ever title in 2025. Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan made this comment recently.
The comment from Irfan Pathan on Virat Kohli has fans buzzing as RCB aims for back-to-back wins. Pathan highlighted Kohli’s drive to make an impact in every match, just as he did in recent ODIs for India.
Irfan Pathan’s comment on Virat Kohli Explained
Irfan Pathan made this bold statement on JioStar ahead of IPL 2026. He said Virat Kohli’s hunger will be there, and he will be hungrier than ever, especially after lifting the IPL trophy last season. Pathan pointed out that Virat Kohli will want to win back-to-back IPL trophies and that his hunger to win and make an impact will always be there.
Pathan backed this up with examples from international cricket. He noted that we have seen that when Virat Kohli played for India, especially in the one-day series against South Africa and New Zealand. Kohli looked determined to make an impact in every game, and Pathan believes he will bring the same passion when he returns this season to lift the trophy once again.
Virat Kohli IPL 2025 Heroics for RCB
Virat Kohli played a massive role for RCB as they lifted their maiden title in the Indian Premier League 2025. He smashed 657 runs in 15 matches at an average of 54.75 and a strike rate of 144.71. This made him RCB’s top run-scorer and one of the leading scorers in the tournament with 66 fours and multiple fifty-plus scores.
In the IPL 2025 final against the Punjab Kings at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, RCB posted 190/9 and won by six runs. Kohli top-scored with a crucial 43 off 35 balls, giving stability to the innings. Krunal Pandya took 2/17 to seal the win for RCB, ending their 18-year wait.
Why does this matter for Irfan Pathan’s comment on Virat Kohli?
Winning that first trophy fueled Kohli’s fire. Irfan Pathan believes that tasting success makes champions like Kohli even hungrier to repeat it and defend the title in IPL 2026.
Kohli’s Recent Form Fuels the Hunger
Virat Kohli is in top form for India in ODIs, and that’s what fuels Irfan Pathan’s hunger. In the recent series against South Africa, he scored 135, 102 and 65 not out, showing his class. Against New Zealand, he smashed a brilliant 93 and even a century in the third ODI, becoming the batter with the most ODI tons against them.
This form proves Pathan’s point that Virat Kohli wants to make an impact in every game. At 37, Kohli is fitter than ever, and his hunger shines through in big moments. No wonder Irfan Pathan says Virat Kohli will be hungrier than ever for IPL 2026.
Why Virat Kohli Will Be Hungrier Than Ever
The main reason is simple. Champions hate settling after one win. After ending RCB’s long drought, Kohli now eyes history with back-to-back IPL trophies. Pathan nails it by saying that the hunger to win back-to-back is what defines greats like Kohli.
Kohli’s career shows this pattern. He stepped up in the T20 World Cup finals and IPL chases. Virat Kohli’s recent ODIs prove that he absorbs pressure and delivers. RCB’s strength in their squad, with match-winners everywhere, means Kohli can concentrate on leading from the front. He also praised RCB’s strength, where they are not relying on Kohli as they did in previous seasons. They have Nuwan Thushara, the backup to Josh Hazlewood, which means Kohli’s hunger can drive the team to success once again.
RCB’s Title Defence in IPL 2026
RCB enters IPL 2026 as defending champions, full of confidence. Virat Kohli’s return after ODIs will boost them at Chinnaswamy. Pathan finds Kohli’s enthusiasm as good as his international performances, making him a favourite. Devdutt Padikkal’s emergence adds depth to the team. He scored 247 runs with a strike rate of 150.61 in IPL 2025 before the injury. Pathan has found him a major role player now; he is very confident after domestic cricket. Kohli’s stats, form, and mindset signal dominance. RCB fans dream of Ee Sala Cup Namde again.
Also Read: IPL 2026: RCB Splits Home Games Across Two Cities—5 Matches in Bengaluru, 2 in Raipur!
Impact on Indian Cricket Fans
As an Indian cricket lover, I’m excited about this. Virat Kohli has been our chase master for years. Hearing Irfan Pathan on Virat Kohli’s hunger reminds us why he is the King. With IPL 2026 around the corner, expect fireworks from Kohli.
