Virat Kohli's Consistency Praised as RCB Reach Qualifier 1

Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s batting coach and mentor, Dinesh Karthik, heaped praise on Virat Kohli after yet another crucial performance helped the team secure a top-two finish in the points table. Kohli played a blazing knock of 54 off just 30 balls during RCB’s massive 228-run chase against Lucknow Super Giants on Tuesday, setting the tone early and putting the opposition bowlers under pressure.

Known for playing the anchor role in chases, the 36-year-old took a more aggressive approach this time, going after the bowlers right from the start. It paid off. Kohli has been in red-hot form this season, racking up 602 runs at an average of 60.20 and a strike rate of 147.91. He has already notched up eight half-centuries and is currently fifth in the Orange Cap race, making his 18th IPL season one of his best.

Karthik, who joined RCB as a mentor and batting coach this season, spoke highly of Kohli’s consistency and work ethic.

“Genius par excellence — that’s how I’d describe Virat Kohli,” said Karthik. “Across 18 seasons, he’s scored 9000 runs, which averages out to about 500 runs a season. That’s incredibly rare. It’s so difficult to maintain that kind of output, yet he keeps doing it year after year.”

Reflecting on their training sessions, Karthik shared a glimpse of Kohli’s passion even during practice.

“I was just knocking a few balls to him in the nets, and the way the ball comes back at you — you can feel the intensity. He brings that drive and energy into everything he does. It’s a lesson in dedication for any young athlete — not just in cricket, but in any sport. The way he prepares, the time he puts in, the passion — it’s all inspiring,” Karthik added.