Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) have started preparations for IPL 2026 with high energy after their historic title win last season. One interesting moment from the team’s practice session came when Virat Kohli was seen bowling in the nets to his opening partner Phil Salt.
The training session took place ahead of RCB’s opening match of the season against Sunrisers Hyderabad at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. The game is scheduled for Saturday, March 28.
The light-hearted moment in the nets showed Kohli stepping into a new practice role while helping his teammates prepare for the upcoming season.
RCB Begin IPL 2026 Campaign After Historic Title
RCB enter IPL 2026 as the defending champions after winning their first IPL trophy in 2025. Rajat Patidar led the team to the title and became one of the few captains to win the IPL in his first season as captain.
The franchise will begin their title defence against Sunrisers Hyderabad in Bengaluru. With a strong squad and several players returning from last season, RCB are looking to continue their winning momentum.
RCB IPL 2026 Season Opener
| Match | Venue | Date |
|---|---|---|
| RCB vs Sunrisers Hyderabad | M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru | March 28 |
Kohli and Phil Salt to Open Again
RCB are expected to continue with the successful opening pair of Virat Kohli and Phil Salt. The duo formed a strong partnership during the previous season and played an important role in the team’s success.
Salt is known for his aggressive batting style, while Kohli provides stability and control at the top of the order. This balance helped RCB get solid starts in many matches.
England’s Jacob Bethell is likely to bat at number three, giving RCB another attacking option in the top order.
Expected Top Order for RCB
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| Opener | Virat Kohli |
| Opener | Phil Salt |
| No.3 | Jacob Bethell |
This lineup gives the team both stability and aggressive scoring options in the powerplay.
Also See : Rajasthan Royals Sale Deal May Bring ₹450 Crore Payout to Shane Warne’s Family Before IPL 2026
Kohli and Salt Partnerships That Powered RCB
During IPL 2025, Kohli and Salt formed several key partnerships that helped RCB dominate matches.
Across 13 innings together, the pair added 565 runs as an opening combination. Their ability to mix aggression with smart batting created strong platforms for the middle order.
Kohli–Salt Partnership Numbers
| Stat | Record |
|---|---|
| Innings together | 13 |
| Total runs | 565 |
Two partnerships stood out during the season.
Against Kolkata Knight Riders, the pair added 95 runs for the first wicket while chasing a target of 175.
In another match against Rajasthan Royals in Jaipur, they shared a 92-run partnership that helped RCB secure a comfortable nine-wicket win.
In both games, Kohli and Salt scored half-centuries and controlled the chase from the start.
Phil Salt’s Form and Team Management’s View
Phil Salt entered the 2026 T20 World Cup as one of the top-ranked T20 batters in the world. However, his performance in the tournament was relatively quiet.
He played eight matches and scored 130 runs at an average of 16.25.
Despite this, RCB management remains confident in his abilities.
Phil Salt – Recent Performance Snapshot
| Tournament | Matches | Runs | Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| T20 World Cup 2026 | 8 | 130 | 16.25 |
| IPL 2025 | 13 | 403 | — |
| Strike Rate (IPL 2025) | — | — | 175 |
RCB Director of Cricket Mo Bobat said there is no reason for concern about Salt’s form. According to him, Salt remains one of the most dangerous T20 batters and enjoys playing for the RCB franchise.
Bobat also highlighted the strong chemistry between Salt and Kohli as a key factor in the team’s success.
Kohli’s Consistency for RCB
Virat Kohli has remained one of RCB’s most reliable batters over the last few seasons. He has been the team’s top scorer across the previous three IPL campaigns.
His experience, consistency, and ability to control the innings make him a central figure in the RCB batting lineup.
With Salt attacking from one end and Kohli anchoring the innings, RCB have one of the most balanced opening combinations in the tournament.
Conclusion
RCB enter IPL 2026 with strong momentum after their historic title win last season. Virat Kohli’s presence in the nets and his partnership with Phil Salt highlight the team’s focus on maintaining a stable and aggressive opening combination.
With Rajat Patidar leading the side and a powerful top order in place, the defending champions will aim to begin their campaign strongly against Sunrisers Hyderabad.
Fans will be eager to see whether the Kohli–Salt partnership can once again give RCB the explosive starts that powered their championship run.
