Virat Kohli will be even more dangerous now… Irfan Pathan said – Hunger has increased after winning the trophy

New Delhi. Last year was like a dream come true for the fans of Royal Challengers Bangalore. When Virat Kohli lifted the golden trophy of IPL in 2025 after ending the drought of decades, the whole of Bengaluru was jubilant. But the question is, will RCB be able to repeat this title win? Former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan believes that defending champion RCB is looking more 'dangerous' than ever this time.

Irfan Pathan, during a conversation on 'Geostar', made it clear that once he becomes the champion, Virat Kohli is not one to sit quietly. Pathan said, 'Virat Kohli's hunger to win must have increased more than before. After lifting the IPL 2025 trophy, he will now be looking to win the title continuously. This yearning to make an impact will always remain in him. In the 2025 season, Virat played the biggest role in making RCB the champion by scoring 657 runs in 15 matches. His innings of 43 runs in the final against Punjab Kings had laid the foundation of victory. According to Pathan, the same passion that Kohli showed in the recent ODI series against South Africa and New Zealand will be seen in IPL 2026 as well.

Devdutt Padikkal is RCB's new 'Brahmastra'
Irfan Pathan has taken a big bet on left-handed batsman Devdutt Padikkal for this season. Padikkal had scored runs at an explosive strike rate of 150.60 in the last season. Pathan believes that now Padikkal is a changed and more confident player. Padikkal has found his rhythm by scoring runs in all formats of domestic cricket. The times of bad timing and conflict have now passed. Padikkal will now be the main axis of RCB's batting.

RCB is not dependent only on Kohli
Referring to the change in RCB's biggest strength, Pathan said that earlier this team used to revolve only around Kohli, De Villiers and Gayle. But now the scenario has changed. Today's RCB playing eleven is full of 'match-winners'. The team is no longer relying on any one face, but is playing as a unit, which knows how to win a match from any situation.

Hazlewood's fitness and 'Plan-B' ready
Before the start of IPL, the fitness of fast bowler Josh Hazlewood is definitely a matter of concern for RCB. However, Pathan believes that RCB's backup is very strong this time. If Hazlewood is not available, the pair of Nuwan Thushara and Jacob Duffy will not let his absence be felt. This backup depth makes RCB one of the most balanced teams of the tournament. Defending champions RCB will start their campaign on March 28 against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at their stronghold M Chinnaswamy Stadium.