Kohli responded to the good-natured teasing about being an ‘overseas player’ with a great return to the Indian Premier League in t026. He scored a half-century (and didn’t get out) in Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s first match of the IPL against Sunrisers Hyderabad, proving with his batting that where you live isn’t as important as how you play.
Kohli’s IPL 2026 Momentum
Kohli began the 2026 IPL with good momentum and a lot of expectation, as RCB attempts to defend the first championship they ever won. In the first game, played at their home ground, Kohli stayed in to bat throughout the innings, guiding his team to victory with a combination of calm and aggressive batting and showing how determined he was to win.
RCB has kept most of the players who won the trophy last year, and Kohli’s performance shows why he’s still the most important player for them. His innings suggested that his time away from the game hadn’t affected his timing or his desire to score runs.
Light-hearted Response to ‘Overseas Player’ Jibes
People on social media joked that Kohli had become an ‘overseas player’ because he’s been spending time in London. In a casual conversation with Mr Nags, someone well-known to RCB fans, Kohli laughed at the idea and asked, “Am I an overseas player?”
That exchange was very open and funny, and showed Kohli is comfortable with friendly teasing. He was very clear that comments made off the field don’t bother him, and he’d rather show how available and committed he is by how he plays.
Life in London and Family Priorities
Kohli has been living in London for longer periods with his family because he wants privacy and a more peaceful life, away from the public eye. He made the deliberate decision to bring up his son and daughter in a calmer place.
However, his family being a priority hasn’t meant he’s less dedicated to his cricket. He comes back to India for important games and the IPL, and the breaks actually seem to have made him feel better, so he can play his best.
Reflection on RCB’s Maiden Title
Kohli described how much of a relief it was when RCB finally won the IPL trophy, saying June 3, 2025 was a time of being ‘free’. He used the expression ‘monkey off the back’ to explain the feeling of happiness and being unburdened after so many times being very close to winning but failing.
He said winning proved that all the hard work, being disciplined, and making sacrifices had been worthwhile. For Kohli, winning showed him what he’d learned from losing, and gave him even more motivation to try to be even better with RCB and on a personal level.
Professional Focus and Team Objectives
Now 37 and only playing 50-over international cricket for India, Kohli has reduced how often he plays for his country, but he’s still holding himself to a very high standard in franchise cricket (like the IPL). The way he started the IPL proves he is still able to win matches for his team and lead by doing things himself.
RCB’s next game is at the M Chidambaram Stadium in Chepauk against Chennai Super Kings, which will be a difficult match even though CSK have had a mixed start to the season. Kohli has said that doing things the right way is more important than what people are saying, and he says his main goal is to help the team, not to respond to what people say outside of the team.
What the Season Might Hold
RCB hope to have the same stability and consistency as last season with their experienced players and Kohli playing well. The combination of players they already know and a few new faces might help the champions get through the long IPL 2026 season.
Kohli has a straightforward message for both his supporters and those who criticize him: his results and how hard he works will show what he is about. For the time being, his batting and captaincy are the most important things as RCB goes for more success in the tournament.
