IPL 2026: Virat Kohli Acts as Throwdown Specialist for Phil Salt

Indian batting legend and former Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) captain Virat Kohli has been observed in a unique role during the team's preparatory camp for IPL 2026. As the defending champions gear up for the upcoming season, Kohli was seen actively participating in the training sessions not just as a batter, but also as a mentor and support staff member. A video released by the franchise shows Kohli taking over the duties of a throwdown specialist to assist his teammate Phil Salt in the nets.

The session took place under the supervision of RCB Head Coach Andy Flower. Kohli was seen delivering precise throwdowns to Salt, simulating various match scenarios and offering technical advice between deliveries. This proactive involvement by the senior cricketer has been widely praised by fans and experts as a sign of strong team cohesion. The franchise's social media handles shared the footage, which quickly gained traction across digital platforms, showcasing the intense preparations underway at the RCB camp.

Mentoring and Net Session Details

Virat Kohli's involvement as a throwdown specialist highlights his commitment to the team's collective success. During the session, Kohli focused on helping Phil Salt tackle specific line and length challenges. According to team officials, such interactions are common within the squad, where senior players often step up to guide newcomers and overseas recruits. The presence of Andy Flower ensured that the technical feedback provided by Kohli aligned with the team's overall strategic objectives for the season. The session lasted for a significant duration, focusing on Salt's footwork and timing.

Phil Salt's Recent Form and Statistics

The focus on Phil Salt comes at a time when the English batter is looking to regain his peak form. In the T20 World Cup 2026, Salt's performance was relatively subdued, as he managed to score only 130 runs across 8 innings. His tournament highlight was a solitary half-century against Sri Lanka. On top of that, in his last three T20 International appearances, he recorded scores of 0, 2, and 5. Despite this recent slump, Salt remains a vital asset for RCB, having performed exceptionally well in the previous IPL edition. 98, including four half-centuries.

Virat Kohli's Performance and Impact

Virat Kohli enters IPL 2026 following a highly successful individual campaign in the previous year. He scored 657 runs in 15 matches, maintaining a high level of consistency that anchored the RCB batting lineup. His role in the upcoming season is expected to be equally pivotal, both as a primary run-getter and as a leadership figure within the group, while the recent practice footage suggests that Kohli is focusing on the technical readiness of the entire top order, ensuring that players like Salt and Rajat Patidar are well-prepared for the challenges of the powerplay overs.

RCB's Campaign Opener and Schedule

Royal Challengers Bengaluru are scheduled to begin their title defense on March 28. Their opening match will be contested against Sunrisers Hyderabad at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, while the venue is known for its high-scoring nature and short boundaries, making the preparation of the batting unit a top priority for the coaching staff. The match against Hyderabad is expected to be a high-intensity encounter, and the RCB management is leaving no stone unturned in their training routines. Following the opener, the team will face a series of crucial fixtures both at home and away.

Strategic Preparations and Team Environment

The RCB camp is currently focused on building momentum ahead of the tournament opener. The coaching staff, led by Andy Flower, has implemented specialized training modules for different player groups. Kohli's decision to provide throwdowns to Salt is seen as part of a broader strategy to integrate players and refine their skills against high-quality pace and spin simulations. The team environment is reported to be highly positive, with a clear focus on maintaining the standards set during their successful run in the previous season. The upcoming weeks will see more simulation matches to finalize the playing eleven for the March 28 clash.