[WATCH] Virat Kohli Sharpens Bowling Skills Ahead of IPL 2026 Grand Final

The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) management has introduced a new tactical option before the highly anticipated IPL 2026 Grand Final against the Gujarat Titans. During a practice session at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, veteran batsman Virat Kohli was observed bowling extensively in the nets.

The footage of Kohli practicing his bowling has generated great interest on social media, adding further anticipation to the match. As the defending champions prepare to retain their title on Sunday evening, this minor adjustment highlights the detailed planning of the franchise.

Watch the video here:

🚨🚨 VIRAT KOHLI WAS SEEN BOWLING A LOT TODAY AHEAD OF THE FINAL MATCH

Phil Salt might play tomorrow, and if Salt plays, he will open the innings and Venky will play in place of Romario. So Romario's bowling overs might not be available tomorrow, so the management is preparing… pic.twitter.com/ANxcgN21FB

— Oxygen (@Oxygen18_) May 30, 2026

While this change significantly strengthens the top-order batting, it removes Shepherd’s medium-pace bowling options from the team. To fill the absence of a sixth bowler, the management is preparing Kohli to deliver one or two overs during the middle stages of the match.

Virat Kohli Continues to Define RCB’s IPL Journey

When Royal Challengers Bengaluru finally claimed their first IPL title in 2025, Virat Kohli’s emotional reaction reflected years of dedication, pressure and unwavering commitment. For nearly two decades, he had been the face of the franchise, piling up runs, breaking records and carrying expectations while remaining loyal despite repeated disappointments in the tournament’s biggest moments.

Kohli’s tears after the victory over Punjab Kings became one of the most memorable images of the season. They symbolised more than just winning a trophy, they represented relief, fulfilment and the end of a long wait for both the player and the franchise. The triumph silenced the lingering question of whether Kohli would ever lift the IPL trophy in RCB colours.

The tears say it all 🥹

An 1️⃣8️⃣-year wait comes to an end 👏

Updates ▶ https://t.co/U5zvVhcvdo#TATAIPL | #RCBvPBKS | #Final | #TheLastMile | @imVkohli pic.twitter.com/X15Xdmxb0k

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) June 3, 2025

A year later, Kohli finds himself back in an IPL final, but the context has changed. The elusive title is no longer missing from his résumé, and RCB are no longer searching for their first championship. Instead, they are pursuing the opportunity to become back-to-back champions.

Yet some things remain unchanged. As Bengaluru prepares for another final in Ahmedabad, Kohli continues to be the focal point of the team’s journey. Not because he has anything left to prove, but because no player has represented a franchise quite like he has embodied RCB.

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