Mumbai, March 18 -- Former South Africa and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) player AB de Villiers hailed Virat Kohli as the "heartbeat" of the franchise ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season, while backing RCB to defend the title they clinched last season.

Virat Kohli, who has spent all his 18 IPL seasons at RCB and is preparing for the 19th edition of the cash-rich league with the Bengaluru-based franchise, tasted IPL glory for the first time last season as RCB clinched their maiden trophy. Kohli, the key face of RCB, is also the league's highest run-getter with 8,661 runs in 267 matches.

Speaking on JioStar, AB de Villiers said Virat Kohli remains the key figure at RCB, thanks to his consistency, leadership, and the e...