Virat Kohli key, but RCB must avoid one-man dependence in playoffs: Sanjay Manjrekar

Sanjay Manjrekar has said that Royal Challengers Bengaluru must avoid the danger of becoming overly dependent on Virat Kohli during the IPL 2026 playoffs. On Tuesday, May 26, RCB will take on Gujarat Titans, led by Shubman Gill, in Qualifier 1 at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala.

Kohli has enjoyed a sensational season for RCB, scoring 557 runs from 14 matches at an average of 50.63. He also boasts an outstanding record against the Titans, having amassed 460 runs from eight matches at an average of 76.66.

Also Read: Dharamshala duel: RCB and Gujarat clash for direct ticket to Ahmedabad in Qualifier 1

Manjrekar warned that if Kohli tries to shoulder too much responsibility during the playoffs, it could push RCB into dangerous territory.

“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 said in a Sportstar podcast.

“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. So, I think they should keep the same template,” Manjrekar added.

Despite being one of the IPL’s greatest batters, Kohli has struggled to dominate in the playoffs. In 17 innings, he has scored 396 runs at an average of 26.4 and a strike rate of 121.1, with only two half-centuries and a highest score of 70 not out.

VIRAT KOHLI KEEPS CARRYING RCB

Kohli has once again been the heartbeat of Bengaluru in IPL 2026, producing one match-winning performance after another to guide the franchise into the playoffs. His most memorable knock of the season came against Kolkata Knight Riders, when he smashed a vintage unbeaten 105 off 60 balls during a high-pressure chase of 193.

The century against KKR was particularly special as it came immediately after two successive ducks, highlighting Kohli’s remarkable ability to bounce back from setbacks. He also shared a crucial 92-run partnership with Devdutt Padikkal in that match, expertly pacing the chase with a blend of aggression and composure.

Beyond the numbers, Kohli’s energy, intensity and leadership have played a huge role in RCB’s consistency this season. With the playoffs now underway, the franchise will once again look towards their talisman to inspire another deep run and potentially deliver yet another memorable IPL campaign.

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