The air at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium is buzzing once again, and it’s not just because the IPL 2026 season is around the corner. It’s because the "King," Virat Kohli, has officially hit the nets, and by the looks of it, he’s in the mood to dominate.

As Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) prepare to defend their hard-earned 2025 title, a new video released by the franchise has sent fans into a frenzy. Kohli isn't just practicing; he’s sending a loud and clear message to every bowler in the league: The appetite for runs hasn't faded.

Watch the Intensity: The Aerial Assault Begins

In the viral footage shared on social media, Kohli is seen honing his skills with a specific focus on aerial hits. Lotus365 While his trademark cover drives were as crisp as ever, it was his aggressive intent against both pace and spin that stood out.

• Dominating Spin: Stepping out with surgical precision, Kohli repeatedly lofted the spinners over the mid-wicket and long-on boundaries, landing the ball deep into the Chinnaswamy stands.

• The Net Battle: Fans were treated to a high-octane duel between Kohli and veteran pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar. While Bhuvi managed to beat the bat with a sharp, pinpoint yorker early on, Kohli responded in typical fashion, dispatching the next delivery for a massive six.

Chasing History in 2026

Kohli enters this season after three consecutive years of scoring 600+ runs. This year, the stakes are even higher. Currently sitting at 8,661 IPL runs, Kohli is on the verge of becoming the first player in history to cross the 9,000-run milestone.

Moreover, having scored over 9,000 runs for RCB across the IPL and the now-defunct Champions League T20, he is just one stellar season away from becoming the first player to ever score 10,000 runs for a single franchise.

A New Chapter for the Defending Champions

This season feels different for RCB. For the first time in 18 years, they enter the tournament as Defending Champions under the leadership of Rajat Patidar.

With a squad bolstered by the likes of Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Phil Salt, and Jitesh Sharma, and guided by head coach Andy Flower, the "Bold" brigade looks more balanced than ever. However, as Kohli himself warned his teammates during a recent huddle, "Things will be tougher" now that they are the team to beat.

Key Details for the Fans:

• Opening Match: RCB vs. Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)

• Date: March 28, 2026

• Venue: M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru

The "12th Man Army" is already lining up outside the stadium, and if this training session is any indication, Kohli is primed to lead the charge for a back-to-back title.

Are you ready to see King Kohli recreate the magic? Let us know your predictions for the opening game in the comments! #PlayBold #RCB #IPL2026