Virat Kohli credits taking breaks for helping him stay mentally fresh and avoid burnout as he kicked off the 2026 season with a stellar performance in the IPL. Kohli’s 38-ball 69 helped Royal Challengers Bangalore secure a six-wicket victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad in the season opener.
Addressing concerns about rustiness after a 10-month gap from T20 cricket, Kohli emphasized the importance of mental freshness over physical preparedness. He stated that the breaks have been beneficial in keeping him excited and at his best when he returns to competitive cricket.
Kohli stressed the need to always perform at 120 percent and not just hold onto a spot in the team. He highlighted the importance of contributing to the team’s success and continuously putting in the work.
Despite the gap in T20 cricket, Kohli felt that his recent white-ball outings had helped him maintain his rhythm. He credited his performances in the one-day series for helping him stay in form and build momentum for his return to T20 cricket.
Overall, Kohli expressed his satisfaction with his performance and saw it as a chance to start strong and continue building on his success. The 37-year-old remains focused on contributing to the team’s cause and maintaining his high standards on the field.
Published on Mar 29, 2026.
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