Former England star Kevin Pietersen has praised Virat Kohli’s tactical brilliance after the defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) secured their first win of IPL 2026 on Saturday.
Pietersen, who is among the few top former England players currently doing commentary duties, said while lauding the modern-day great: “Can’t buy what Virat Kohli has.”
RCB registered a comfortable six-wicket victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), successfully chasing down 202 runs at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in just 15.4 overs. Kohli remained unbeaten on 69 off 38 balls, playing a match-defining knock that left the crowd and commentators in awe with his textbook stroke-making.
One of the standout moments came in the seventh over when Kohli played a lofted straight drive over Eshan Malinga’s head for a six, leaving commentators stunned by the class of the modern-day legend.
Pietersen, who was on air at that moment, was left in awe of Kohli’s timing and shot-making.
He said on commentary, “It is timing, but you’ve got to have that time to create the timing. You’ve got to get yourself into a position. That’s what I mean — he was in that position. His placement was perfect. He popped his elbow up to the sky, found the middle of the bat, and had something a lot of people just can’t have. You can’t buy what Virat Kohli has off the shelf. No one sells what Virat Kohli has. He’s that good.”
The match was sealed by a brilliant 101-run second-wicket partnership between Devdutt Padikkal and Virat Kohli.
The defending champions will now face Chennai Super Kings on April 5 at the same venue in front of the home crowd.
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