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Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s Virat Kohli hits unbeaten 69, stars with stunning six off Eshan Malinga in big IPL 2026 win over Sunrisers Hyderabad.
Virat Kohli smashed an unbeaten 69 off just 38 balls (AP)
Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru made a powerful statement at the start of their IPL 2026 campaign, registering a commanding six-wicket win over Sunrisers Hyderabad at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. Chasing a challenging target of 202 in the tournament opener, RCB approached the task with remarkable ease, completing the chase in just 15.4 overs.
At the heart of the victory was Virat Kohli, who once again showcased his batting mastery with an unbeaten 69 off 38 deliveries. His innings, studded with five fours and five sixes, combined composure with controlled aggression. While several shots underlined his form, one particular six stood out for its sheer elegance and precision.
The defining moment came in the seventh over when Virat Kohli faced Eshan Malinga. Latching onto a delivery pitched perfectly in his arc, Kohli displayed impeccable balance and timing, executing a lofted straight drive that sailed effortlessly into the stands. It was a shot that merged technical perfection with aesthetic brilliance, leaving fans and experts equally mesmerised.
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Former England captain Kevin Pietersen, on commentary duty, could not hold back his admiration. “It is timing, but you’ve got to have that time to create the timing. You’ve got to get yourself into a position. That’s what I mean – he was in that position. His placement was perfect. He popped his elbow up to the sky, found the middle of the bat, and he’s got something a lot of people just can’t have. You can’t buy what Virat Kohli has off the shelf. No one sells what Virat Kohli has. He’s that good,” Pietersen was quoted as saying on air.
Kohli found strong support in Devdutt Padikkal, with the duo putting together a rapid 101-run partnership for the second wicket in just 45 balls. Their stand effectively sealed the contest, dismantling Hyderabad’s bowling attack and setting up a straightforward finish.
RCB eventually reached 203/4, launching their title defence in emphatic fashion. With momentum firmly on their side, Bengaluru will now look ahead to their next fixture against Chennai Super Kings on April 5, once again at their home ground.
March 29, 2026, 11:34 IST
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