- Virat Kohli is crucial for RCB in Qualifier 1, according to Sanjay Bangar.
- Bangar warned RCB against GT’s strong Powerplay bowling attack.
- Kohli has scored 557 runs this season with one century and four fifties.
Bangalore: Former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar believes Virat Kohli will play the defining role for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Qualifier 1 of Indian Premier League 2026 against Gujarat Titans.
RCB and Gujarat Titans will face off at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamshala on Tuesday with a direct place in the IPL 2026 final at stake.
Virat Kohli IPL 2026 Qualifier 1 Battle in Focus
Bangar said Gujarat Titans possess one of the strongest pace attacks in the tournament, making Kohli’s role critical at the top of the order.
According to Bangar, RCB must carefully negotiate the early overs against:
- Kagiso Rabada
- Mohammed Siraj
“Virat Kohli will need to bat deep because the Gujarat Titans have a quality bowling attack,” Bangar said during a discussion on JioHotstar.
The second-order effect of Kohli anchoring the innings successfully could significantly reduce pressure on RCB’s middle order while forcing Gujarat Titans to alter their bowling strategy earlier than planned.
Bangar Predicts Possible Change in RCB Opening Combination
Bangar also hinted at a possible change in Bengaluru’s batting setup.
He suggested that Venkatesh Iyer could open the innings ahead of Phil Salt based on Gujarat Titans’ bowling combination.
The former RCB coach stressed that building partnerships around Kohli would remain vital if Bengaluru hope to secure a direct entry into the final.
Kohli vs Rabada and Siraj Could Decide Match
Bangar highlighted Kohli’s past aggressive approach against Rabada, recalling an earlier IPL encounter where the RCB star smashed five boundaries in a single over.
“The contest between Virat Kohli and GT’s pace attack will be a key factor in this match,” he said.
He also noted that Gujarat’s bowling attack appears less threatening once opponents survive the Powerplay without heavy damage.
According to Bangar, RCB’s ideal scenario would be:
- Losing no more than one wicket in the first six overs
- Allowing Kohli to anchor the innings
- Targeting GT bowlers later in the match
- Kohli in Strong Form Ahead of Qualifier
Virat Kohli enters the knockout clash in outstanding form.
The veteran batter has scored:
- 557 runs in 14 matches
- One century
- Four half-centuries
His consistency has been one of the biggest reasons behind RCB’s strong IPL 2026 campaign.
With both teams carrying explosive batting line-ups and elite bowling attacks, Qualifier 1 is expected to hinge heavily on how effectively Kohli handles Gujarat Titans’ new-ball threat.
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