IPL 2026: Virat Kohli, Phil Salt And Jacob Bethell Sweat It Out At Nets Ahead Of Opener Against SRH

Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru have officially begun their title defense with high-intensity training sessions at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. Under the watchful eye of Head Coach Andy Flower, the camp has focused on integrating new signings like Venkatesh Iyer and Jordan Cox. A standout moment from the nets featured Virat Kohli taking on an unconventional role, providing throw downs and even bowling to his opening partner Phil Salt to help the Englishman refine his pull shots against short-pitched deliveries. Kohli was also seen launching gigantic shots. Jacob Bethell was also spotted while training. Watch some of the best pictures below.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s Phil Salt during a practice session ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 cricket match against Sunrisers Hyderabad, at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. | Photo: PTI/Shailendra Bhojak

Bengaluru: Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s Virat Kohli during a practice session ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 cricket match against Sunrisers Hyderabad, at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. | Photo: PTI/Shailendra Bhojak

Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s Venkatesh Iyer during a practice session ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 cricket match against Sunrisers Hyderabad, at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. | Photo: PTI/Shailendra Bhojak

Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s Krunal Pandya during a practice session ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 cricket match against Sunrisers Hyderabad, at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. | Photo: PTI/Shailendra Bhojak

Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s captain Rajat Patidar during a practice session ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 cricket match against Sunrisers Hyderabad, at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. | Photo: PTI/Shailendra Bhojak

Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s Virat Kohli during a practice session ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 cricket match against Sunrisers Hyderabad, at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. | Photo: PTI/Shailendra Bhojak

Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s Jacob Duffy during a practice session ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 cricket match against Sunrisers Hyderabad, at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. | Photo: PTI/Shailendra Bhojak

• Previous Story
  IPL Sixes, Past And Present: Season-Wise Breakdown, 2026 Prediction Of Player Fancied To Hit Most Maximums
• Next Story
  IPL 2026: Virat Kohli, Phil Salt And Jacob Bethell Sweat It Out At Nets Ahead Of Opener Against SRH