Sanjay Manjrekar warns Virat Kohli against changing approach as RCB enter “dange – Sanjay Manjrekar: Virat Kohli Must Maintain Aggressive Approach for IPL Playoffs
Contents
The High Stakes of IPL 2026: A Crucial Test for RCB
As the IPL 2026 season reaches its crescendo, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) find themselves in the thick of the action. Having finished at the top of the points table with 18 points, RCB enters the playoffs alongside the formidable Gujarat Titans. With both teams proving to be the standout performers of the tournament, the upcoming qualifier promises to be a battle of titans. However, amidst the excitement of the knockout phase, former Indian cricketer and noted expert Sanjay Manjrekar has offered a timely piece of advice to RCB’s talisman, Virat Kohli.
The Power of the Current Template
Sanjay Manjrekar believes that the key to RCB’s recent success has been their move away from being a one-man army. The team has thrived under a balanced approach, where collective contributions have propelled them to the top of the standings. While Kohli remains the anchor of the batting lineup, the supporting cast—including Devdutt Padikkal, skipper Rajat Patidar, Tim David, and Phil Salt—has been instrumental in their campaign.
Manjrekar emphasized that RCB should not alter their winning formula. “The approach of RCB must remain the same. Virat Kohli is a key player, but everything does not hinge on him; that is how they have become such a good team,” Manjrekar noted in a recent discussion. By sticking to their current template, the team has successfully distributed the workload, ensuring that the pressure is not solely on the shoulders of their most seasoned campaigner.
The Danger of Over-Responsibility
In high-pressure playoff matches, even the greatest players can fall into the trap of trying to do too much. Manjrekar highlighted a recurring tendency in Kohli’s game during critical tournament stages: the urge to take the entire burden of the match onto himself. The expert warned that if Kohli reverts to this mindset, it could lead to what he describes as “dangerous territory” for the Bengaluru-based franchise.
“It is important for Virat to keep playing in the same fashion, because he has a tendency in the final stages to take too much of the onus on himself, and if he does that, that is dangerous territory for RCB to be in,” Manjrekar explained. His advice is clear: trust the process that has brought the team this far and continue with the aggressive, free-flowing cricket that has defined Kohli’s season thus far.
Kohli’s Commanding Season
At 37 years old, Virat Kohli continues to defy expectations. Throughout the 14 matches of the 2026 regular season, he has amassed a stellar 557 runs at an impressive strike rate of 163.82. With one century and four half-centuries to his name, Kohli has proven that his evolution as an aggressive batter is not just a passing phase but a sustainable strategy. His ability to dominate the opposition early has set the tone for RCB’s innings time and again.
A Balanced Batting Unit
The strength of RCB this season lies in the depth of their batting order. Supporting Kohli’s masterclasses are several key contributors who have ensured the scoreboard keeps ticking:
- Devdutt Padikkal: With 433 runs, he has been a vital cog in the top order.
- Rajat Patidar: The skipper has led from the front with 393 runs across 13 appearances.
- Tim David: A powerful middle-order presence, accumulating 277 runs.
- Phil Salt: Even in limited appearances, his impact has been significant with 202 runs in just six matches.
Looking Ahead to the Qualifier
The upcoming matchup against the Gujarat Titans is expected to be a high-intensity affair. While RCB enters the playoffs with two losses in their last five matches, the Titans are riding a wave of momentum, having secured four victories in their previous five outings. History between the two sides is evenly poised, with each team claiming a win during the league stages. As the dust settles and the knockout drama begins, all eyes will be on Virat Kohli. If he follows Manjrekar’s guidance and maintains his aggressive, unburdened approach, RCB will be well-positioned to make a deep run in the quest for the title.
