In a conversation with JioHotstar, de Villiers highlighted how Kohli’s role has evolved over the years. He pointed out that while Kohli remains a primary scorer at the top of the order, his true value lies in the spirit he injects into the squad both on and off the pitch. According to the former superstar, Kohli’s relentless fight and competitive nature were the driving forces behind the team’s breakthrough performance last season, helping them transition from a team that once relied on just a few stars into a cohesive unit that wins through collective effort.
Reflecting on the change in RCB’s dynamics, de Villiers praised the supporting cast that emerged during their title-winning run. He cited the final match as a perfect example, where despite Kohli playing a steady anchor role with 43 runs off 35 balls, players like Rajat Patidar, Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma, and Romario Shepherd stepped up to power the score past 190. This balance between Kohli’s experienced stability and the explosive contributions of the middle order is what de Villiers believes makes the current RCB side a formidable force.
The former teammate also mentioned that Kohli’s presence creates a unique psychological advantage for RCB. His energy on the field not only motivates his own team but also puts immense pressure on the opposition. As RCB prepares for the 2026 season with the goal of retaining their trophy, de Villiers’ comments underscore that while many players contribute to a win, Virat Kohli remains the spiritual and tactical core around which the entire franchise is built.
