Sanjay Manjrekar warns Virat Kohli against changing approach as RCB enter “dange – Sanjay Manjrekar Urges Virat Kohli to Maintain Aggressive Approach for IPL 2026 Playoffs

The High-Stakes Qualifier: RCB vs. GT

The IPL 2026 season has reached its fever pitch as the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) prepare to lock horns with the Gujarat Titans (GT) in the first qualifier. Both teams have dominated the league stage, finishing neck-and-neck with 18 points apiece. As the tension mounts, the cricketing world is turning its eyes toward the tactical battles that will define this encounter.

For the Royal Challengers, the road to this point has been characterized by a collective team effort. While they ended their league campaign with two losses in their last five matches, their overall consistency has kept them at the top of the table. Conversely, the Gujarat Titans enter the playoffs with significant momentum, having secured four victories in their last five outings.

Sanjay Manjrekar’s Strategic Advice to Virat Kohli

Amidst the preparation for this crucial fixture, former Indian cricketer and respected analyst Sanjay Manjrekar has provided a critical piece of advice for RCB’s talisman, Virat Kohli. Manjrekar believes that Kohli’s recent evolution toward a more aggressive batting style has been a cornerstone of RCB’s success this season. However, he warns that the veteran should resist the urge to change this successful template as the tournament enters the pressure-cooker environment of the playoffs.

“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 explained in an interview. He highlighted a recurring concern regarding Kohli’s tendency to take excessive responsibility during crunch moments. Manjrekar noted, “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.”

A Balanced RCB Lineup

The brilliance of RCB’s 2026 campaign lies in their depth. Virat Kohli remains the backbone, having amassed an impressive 557 runs in 14 matches at a formidable strike rate of 163.82. His tally includes one magnificent century and four half-centuries, proving he is still at the peak of his powers at age 37.

However, the reliance is no longer solely on the shoulders of the legendary star. The team has seen significant contributions from several quarters, which has allowed them to maintain their status as top contenders. The primary contributors include:

• Devdutt Padikkal: Providing stability with 433 runs this season.
• Rajat Patidar: The skipper has led from the front with 393 runs across 13 appearances.
• Tim David: A vital middle-order presence who has chipped in with 277 runs.
• Phil Salt: An explosive option who has made a quick impact with 202 runs in just six matches.

Looking Ahead to the Playoff Battle

The history between RCB and GT this season is evenly poised, with each side securing one win against the other. The first encounter at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium saw a masterclass from Kohli as he comfortably chased down the target. However, the Titans responded with a dominant performance at the Narendra Modi Stadium, signaling that they are more than capable of handling the RCB bowling attack.

As the Qualifier approaches, the narrative remains clear: RCB’s path to glory depends on maintaining their newfound balance. By allowing the collective to fire and ensuring Kohli continues his aggressive, fearless brand of cricket without the burden of ‘carrying’ the team, Bengaluru stands a strong chance of overcoming the formidable challenge posed by the Titans. It is a defining moment for the franchise, and how they manage the internal pressure of these big-match moments will ultimately dictate who moves forward to the final.